Big T's Pic of the Day

Worth A Thousand Words

It is said that a picture or photo is worth a thousand words, and this one may be worth even more than that. I truly can’t believe the White House PR team allowed this photo to be released onto the official White House Blog, and it is public domain. President Barrack Obama’s true colors of character are showing. It’s amazing to me no one at the White House was able to see the arrogance in body language from Obama in this photo.

Police Sgt. James Crowley is the only one to show any compassion to help the elderly Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. down the White House steps into the Rose Garden. Obama walks to steps ahead unaware of the needs of his guest, lost in his own arrogance and ignoring them.

Through my journey in life I have learned two valuable ways to judge a man’s character. Watch how they act when things are not going their way, and watch how they treat people who can’t do anything for them or are less powerful than them. Especially when they think no one is looking.

The current president could take a lesson from the former president on how to treat his elders...

Hold On to Your Wallets Middle Class!

I couldn’t help but notice Sec. of Treasury Timothy Geithner and White House advisor Larry Summers were making their rounds on the Sunday morning talk show circuit yesterday. There seemed to be a new theme coming from President Barrack Obama’s White House.

All during the campaign we heard Obama promise tax cuts for 95% of Americans, even though less than 95% of Americans pay taxes, but that is a whole different story I already covered. Anyways, now they won’t commit to uphold the tax only the rich pledge and the new theme is “We can’t rule out taxes on the middle class.”

Geithner told George Stephanopoulos deficit reduction is going to be the key to economic recovery, but when asked if the president will have to break his pledge to 95% of Americans he said this:

“We’re going to have to do what’s necessary. We have to bring these deficits down dramatically, and that is going to require some real hard choices.”

Yeah…real hard choices, not like Geinther is paying his taxes anyway.

Then we have Summers who was on CBS Face the Nation and NBC Meet the Press who admitted he cannot rule out tax increases on the middle class in order to pay for Obama’s healthcare reform plans.

“It’s never a good idea to absolutely rule things out no matter what, but what the president has been completely clear on is this:

That he is not going to pursue any of his priorities, not health care, not energy – nothing – in ways that are primarily burdening to middle-class families.”

Did you catch the key phrase that tells all? “Primarily burdening…” In plain English he is basically saying the middle-class is going to be burdened, but not burdened as much as the rich.

Hold on to your wallets middle class! They are coming for your money next.

Hawaii Residents Now Taxed On Vegas Winnings Even If They Lose!

State governments are scrambling to reform their tax codes in order to bring in more tax revenue. Are they lowering taxes to bring in more businesses, create more jobs, which generates more tax revenue? Well some states are, but the majority are finding every way they can to raise taxes.

Hawaii has recently increased its top marginal tax rate to 11 percent making it tied with Oregon for the highest in the country. Hawaii is also going to tax its residents on gross winnings from Las Vegas trips not just the net winnings.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle signed the bill this month that will no longer allow gamblers to offset their winnings with their losses. So, what exactly does that mean?

Well, lets say you sit down at the roulette table and win $10,000 then you go and play black jack and lose it all. You then try your luck at the craps table, but you crap out there too and lose $5,000. So now you are down lets say $5,000. That is a net loss of $5,000, but your gross winnings were $10,000. You as a Hawaii resident would now owe taxes on $10,000. Your gross winnings!

Don’t you just love government and taxes?

I Thank God My Parents Drugged Me!

This came in my e-mail today. It is so true!

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.

"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:

I was drug to church on Sunday morning.

I was drug to church, weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul, who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think.

They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us.

Big T's News and Views From Around the Web

If there is only one thing you read today I hope it is this column by Charles Krauthammer on the evolution of Obama’s health care reform.

Here is a summary of House Republican’s healthcare bill they released the other day. It is not flawless, but I like it a lot better than the Democrat’s bill already on the table.

Patients in Great Britain can’t seem to get painkilling meds because the National Health Service has rationed them…I am sure that would never happen once we get national health care here!

Check out the type of health insurance and benefits Congress enjoys. Now ask, do you think they are going to drop this for the plan they are trying to give us?

Blue Dog Democrats have cut a deal. There will not be a vote on healthcare reform before the August recess.

Home schooling is already illegal in many other countries. Now the question: “Do parents or the State own the rights to educate your children?” Is being asked here. Will we outlaw home schooling as well? Power hungry politicians and teachers unions would like nothing less.

Charlie Rangel is pushing for a 5.4% tax hike, because it is “the moral thing to do.” He must think it is moral to raise them, but not to pay them. Since he didn’t pay his.

Amazing! Even the New York Times admits that Barack Obama’s pledge to only increase taxes on the rich is unsustainable.

John Stossel points out something I have been saying for years… Minimum wage equals minimum jobs. Of course he lays it out a lot better than I ever could. Good read.

There is some common sense left in DC! Liberal and Conservative Senators are uniting on a bill to reinstate the DC School Voucher program.

Imagine this…you are driving in a 30 mph zone, when you see drag racing teenagers traveling right toward you. They hit you head on at 81mph. Now one of the teenagers is suing you!!! How does this make sense? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

A bank teller in Seattle chases a robber down and detains him until police arrive…They should have gave him a medal, but instead he was fired.

Big T’s Pic of the Day

Here is a nice little Bible bag with the "Messiah" I mean President Obama...Now for those of you who think there is no way this can possibly be real, here is a link where you can order your own!

Big T is Back…unleashed and holding nothing back!

After a long break from the blogosphere, I am back, unleashed and holding nothing back! I have bit my tongue long enough…There is so much going on. Lots of stuff to blog about out there; bailouts, universal healthcare, cap and spend. I am just not sure where to start…So let’s just jump in…

Lets start with some Random Thoughts.

*If PETA thinks they are upset with President Obama for swatting a fly during an interview, they should hang out with me for a week during deer season!

*I don’t understand the backlash towards President Obama. More and more people say they regret voting for him, because this is not what they voted for…I have to ask them; What were they voting for? Obama is doing everything he said he was going to do during the campaign. This is the change you voted for. Hope you all enjoy it.

*If I haven’t offended you or made you mad yet with my insensitive approach to the world, keep reading eventually I will. If you find I can’t offend or upset you, then you just may be the type of person I would like to get a drink with…But I will just keep trying anyway!

*I have been told at least four times in the last two days that I am insane, nuts or crazy for one of my hobbies of racing go-karts…yeah maybe. Truth is I am an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed.

*It is said you learn twice as much from your mistakes than you do when you do it right. If this is true, I must be a genius…if you wrote all the mistakes I have made in my life down on paper it would require cutting down a small forest.

*I am really not seeing the difference between gambling on sports and playing the stock market right now, other than my gambling portfolio is looking a lot better than my stock market portfolio.

*I really cannot stand the idiot from the Dos Equis commercials. He is not interesting and Chuck Norris could kick his ass!

*Former President Bush can criticize big bailouts and government spending all he wants, but lets not forget he is the one that opened the door for the bailouts and spending grew to all time highs under his administration…Mr. Conservative he was not!

*So motor sport’s best known woman driver Danica Patrick wants to make the move from open wheel racing in the Indy League to stock car racing in NASCAR…hope she doesn’t get her feelings hurt when she fails to qualify and make the starting field like so many other open wheel drivers before her…

*And here is something for my baseball fans to chew on. I know many will not agree, but I think the NL Central is the best division in Major League Baseball. They have four teams above .500, and I predict the winner of this division will win the World Series…Unless it is the Cubs…It will be a cold day in hell before they win it all.

A Republican Resurgence? Not with this party!

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele vowed a few months ago that the GOP was going to go after President Barrack Obama more aggressively regardless of his popularity and claimed the Party has turned the corner predicting a Republican resurgence. A Republican Resurgence he says? Uh…not with the clowns in the Party now…

Now, apparently a lot of people within the Party do not think it is such a good idea to attack the most popular Democrat and would go after less popular Democrats to show their muscle. This next quote is actually a decent line from Steele.

"They suggest that instead we should go after Nancy Pelosi, whom nobody likes. Or Harry Reid, whom nobody knows. Or this Tim Geithner fellow, whom nobody believes. Or maybe even Barney Frank, whom nobody understands," said Steele.

After traveling around the country, Steele claims he has seen a stronger party than the one portrayed in Washington and credited last month’s “Tea Party” protests with providing a boost to the party’s grassroots. “This change comes in a tea bag,” Steele declared. Oh…what a yawner…sorry, but I just can’t get energized by this…

First off, if Steele thinks the Tea Parties is a reflection of the grass roots of the Republican Party he is more out of touch with Americans than I previously thought….unless he thinks Libertarians are grass root Republicans.

The “Tea Parties” from my experience was largely bi-partisan. I know several people who attended and out of that group there were Democrats, Independents, Libertarians and Republicans with Independents and Libertarians making up the majority. There were even people who voted for Obama that was not happy with their change!

Anyways, Steele also had this to say.

“Our success will not be found in dusting off old campaign manuals from the 70’s and 80’s,” he said. “Our success will be found in speaking directly to the American people about a rebirth of the American Dream for this generation and generations to come.”

Well Mr. Steele, perhaps you should dust off those old manuals from the 70’s and 80’s and learn the principles of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan since this was the last time the Party actually had a platform worth standing on…

Here is an idea for the Republican Party…Instead of worrying about which Democrats to point your fingers at and attack, how about coming up with some issues to run on that matter! You could start with the FairTax.

Oh yes…and while I am on the RNC. Please quit calling me and asking…no begging is a better word… for donations and support! I believe both Parties have things so messed up we may never get it right again!

It’s Those Damn Southerners… They’re ruining the Republican Party!

The latest polls show that more and more Americans now consider themselves conservative, so why is it the Republican Party’s popularity is not on the rise and they continue losing voters? Ohio Republican Senator George Voinovich has the answer.

According to him, it is because of all those damn Southerners in the party. That’s right, Southerners are to blame for the Republican’s problems. Voinovich told the Columbus Dispatch the party is being taken over by Southerners like South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint and Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn.

Isn’t that just like a good Republican, if you are not pointing fingers at Democrats just point them at each other. It has to be someone else’s fault. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the fact the Republican Party has lost its way, has no real platform to stand on and lacks any original ideas. I mean lets face it; the only thing the Republicans have to offer is they are not Democrats, while they then try to act more like Democrats!

It looks like quite the resurgence to me!

War Hero Deserves National Memorial Service....We should never forget that!

I did not write this and do not know who did. I do not know if the writer actually met Shifty, but that fact is irrelevant to the point of the story that hit close to home for me. I thought I should share it with all of you...

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services. I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers. Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, partof the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked himwhen he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point myheart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . do you knowwhere Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D- Day was. At that point he said "I also made asecond jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach. He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer. There was no parade. No big event in Staples Center. No wall-to-wall, back-to-back ,24/7 news coverage. No weeping fans on television. And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

Big T's News and Views From Around the Web

According to a new Rasmussen poll only 23% of Americans believe healthcare reform will lower cost. I guess all that campaigning is not working.

Politicians are trying so hard to convince us this economic stimulus plan is working that they will count a job created even if it only amounts to 35 hours worth of work.

The Government Accountability Office is expected to add the US Postal Service to its list of “high risk” government operations.

Looks like the Cash for Clunkers program is already having problems…Government ran program…gee whodathunk that?

Are you buying Barack Obama's (very expensive) plan for cleaner, more fuel efficient cars? Here's a concept…why not let the free market decide if it wants more fuel efficient cars? Oh silly me, I forgot government knows best. Almost forgot. How unpatriotic of me I am sure.

Average temperature in Chicago for July was 68.9 degrees. It was the coldest July in more than 65 years. It must have been global warming.

Here is an interesting read…This author says that Obama's proposed mileage standards may kill more Americans at a faster rate than the Iraq War. Hey, I didn’t write it…

Here is a nice piece on Flat Tax vs. FairTax. There are a few inaccuracies in the Fair Tax analysis, but the general concept is there.

President Barrack Obama doesn’t think school choice is a solution to fixing the education system in this country. Unions are against the idea too. Interestingly, Obama used school choice in deciding where to send his kids. They go to a private school by the way.

Climate change is the terrorist America should be fighting, says Muslim leader. Riiight, climate change will be wearing a suicide bomb vest onto a crowded bus any day now.

A Politician in another country is accused of giving out gifts for votes from the public assets. Wow…seriously…we have a whole two party system that does that here! One party may be guiltier than the other, but they both do it…

Big T's Pic of the Day

This kid is definately going to be alright...

Queen Pelosi’s Personal Airline: the U.S. Air Force

Democrats have consistently ridiculed and condemned Fortune 500 Companies and CEOs for use of their private jets and wasteful spending in hard economic times, but what about Nancy Pelosi?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s business of running the U.S. House of Representatives not only gives her access to one jet, but a whole fleet of jets operated and ran by the Pentagon and the U.S. Air Force.

According to a report from Judicial Watch, Pelosi has repeatedly requested military aircraft to shuttle her, her colleagues and family around the country, and has been notorious for making special demands for high-end aircraft, lodging last-minute cancellations and racking up additional expenses for the military, all on the taxpayer’s dollar.

In one case Pelosi wanted to bring her husband along to a trip to Iraq . Pentagon officials had to remind Queen Pelosi that spouses are not allowed to go along on military trips.

In an email recovered with the help of a Freedom of Information Act request, Queen Pelosi’s aid Kay King writes: “It is my understanding there are NO G5s available for the House during the Memorial Day recess. This is totally unacceptable…The Speaker will want to know where the planes are.”

Let me translate: The Queen demands to know why there are NO G5s available for the Memorial Day recess. She wants to know where her G5s are at, and who is using them so she can decide whether or not their use is more important than her request.

Is she a public servant? Hardly… I used Queen Pelosi because that is the growing mindset of the political class in D.C. These people are our RULERS, elected yes, but still rulers. In their mindset we are here to provide for them ...to provide a basis for their power.

Agreeing with Obama on Teacher Pay and Charter Schools

I don’t think Hell has frozen over or pigs are flying, but someone better check just to make sure…President Barack Obama and I actually agree on something.

Obama gave a speech on education yesterday that has the teacher’s unions breaking pencils. Personally, I thought there were some good things and some bad things about the speech, but there were definitely two ideas I support.

First is merit pay for teachers. I know seems like a common sense concept, pay people based on performance, but this is something the teachers unions have been fighting for years. In general unions hate the idea of performance-based paychecks. They believe once you have a job you are entitled to keep it and pay is based on seniority. In fact unions generally try to isolate and de-motivate anyone who tries to excel or out perform others. Everyone is equal and does equal work in a union.

The second idea I support; charter schools. Obama spoke highly of charter schools. Now he won’t go all out and support school choice, but he will acknowledge charter schools work. This also is bad news for teachers unions. Why? Competition. The teachers unions hate competing for students and tax dollars.

Big T’s Letter to the IRS

I haven’t mailed yet, but…

Dear Internal Revenue Service,

I fully regret to inform you I will more than likely not be able to pay my federal income taxes owed on April 15 for I am all taxed out!

In the hard economic times that have fallen upon us, I ran out of money paying other taxes. I renovated some rental properties to help improve the look of the buildings and had to pay a building permit tax. This raised the assessed value of my properties which increased my property taxes. I also have corporate income taxes and capitol gains tax. The stress of this led me to start drinking and smoking again, and I was hit with a cigarette and liquor tax. I needed a friend and got a dog and was hit with a pet license tax.

There were also unemployment taxes, gasoline taxes, hunting license taxes, fishing license taxes, inheritance taxes, inventory taxes, luxury taxes, Medicare taxes, social security taxes, commercial real estate taxes, toll road taxes, sales taxes, telephone federal excise tax…and other taxes I can’t think of at the moment.

So please note, when you do not receive my payment on April 15, it is an honest mistake.

I also request that I receive the same treatment as Congressmen Charlie Rangel, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, former Congressman Tom Daschle and your new boss Timothy Geithner; penalty free with no interest.

I will start payments just as soon as I get my stimulus check, or will pay in full once nominated for a cabinet position by the president.

Thanks,

Big T

Some how I don't think this is going to work out in my favor...

Big T's News and Views From Around the Web

Here are two charter schools doing wonders with some of the poorest students from one of the worst school systems in LA County.

Taxpayers for Common Sense have a list of the top 20 biggest pork spenders in Congress. They love the bacon in Alaska…

53 percent of Americans now believe America is headed for another great depression within the next few years. That is depressing… Where is all the hope??? Obama…we need hope! Where is it?

Here comes stimulus bill number two! Queen Pelosi says we may need a second stimulus bill.

According to Forbes Magazine there has never been a period in U.S. history where tax rates and the size of government both increased, and the real GDP growth accelerated as sharply as the Obama team forecasts…

Democrats have introduced the card check bill and are working on passing it ASAP.
But what will happen immediately after the card check bill? Analysts say time to get rid of your Wal-Mart stock…got rid of mine when I dumped my whole portfolio last week.

Bernard Madoff will plead guilty to 11 criminal counts and faces life in prison for his investment ponzi scheme… Ponzi schemes like Social Security are OK when the government runs it.

A West Virginia woman has had brain surgery to try and lose weight. Now that is what I call a fat head!

A driver of an SUV in Dillsburg, Pa., fell asleep at a red light with his foot on the brake and a beer in the cup holder. He slept through six green lights before the cops showed up to give him a DUI.

I’m not a fan of the show, but I guess to vote you dial 1-866-idols-01 through 12 depending on the contestant you are voting for… Guess what happens if you dial 1-866-idols-13??? “Hey there sexy guy…”

Big T's Pic of the Day

Paul Harvey

1918-2009

R.I.P.

Paul Harvey was a genuine childhood memory for me. I can remember riding with my dad in his pick-up truck and Harvey would come on with his "The Rest of the Story."

I always enjoyed listening to Harvey and can still here him sign off: "Paul Harvey.....Good Day."

Good Night Paul Harvey... you will be missed.

My First CPAC

I was able to attend my first Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, and I must say my experience at CPAC 2009 was unforgettable to put it lightly.

I was only able to attend on Saturday, but was glad to be able to be a part of the most attended CPAC in its 36-year history. I met some amazing people and seeing Rush Limbaugh in person was a perfect way to end the day and the conference.

CPAC 2009: Can Libertarians re-shape the GOP?

I left CPAC 2009 with a feeling that the conservative movement is stronger than ever, but the Republican Party may no longer hold the monopoly on the grass roots effort of the movement. Which is something that I suspected to be true for several years as more and more conservatives like myself left the party that abandoned their core base principles of smaller government, less spending and less government interference.

There seemed to be a huge Libertarian influence at the convention, with several Libertarian organizations such as the Cato Institute, Young Americans for Liberty, Campaign for Liberty and Ron Paul who gave a speech at the conference. One attendee told me the speech was powerful and the atmosphere inside the ballroom was electrifying. Paul had an impromptu book signing in the exhibit hall following the speech that was also well attended.
Saturday Afternoon I met and spoke with a volunteer for the Campaign for Liberty. She told me they were very happy with the impact they were making at CPAC. They held a “Tea Party” at Lafayette Park Friday afternoon with an estimated crowd of 200-300 people, which was pretty high for purely Internet activism.

On Friday night CPAC attendees squeezed into a crowded Hampton Room to see the Liberty Forum and others watched the forum on a screen in the hallway. The panel was made up of Ron Paul, Judge Napolitano, Tom Woods Bruce Fein, Mark Mix and Larry Pratt. The group defended free markets, civil liberties and non-interventionist foreign policy, with each speaker giving his unique perspective on limited constitutional government and individual rights.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Libertarian influence to me was the fact that Ron Paul finished third with 14 percent in the straw poll asking: Who would you vote for as the next republican nominee for president behind Mitt Romney with 20 percent and La. Gov. Bobby Jindal with 14 percent.

There is no doubt the Libertarian influence was one of the big stories of CPAC, even though the mainstream press didn't and will never mention it.

The Republican Party no longer holds the monopoly on conservatism. If the so-called leaders of the party elite are smart enough to recognize this, they will welcome Libertarians in just like they did with the Christian right in the 1980’s.

Rush Limbaugh Rocks CPAC and Emerges as a Leader of Conservative Movement, but not the Party.

CPAC attendees started lining up 2 hours before Rush Limbaugh was to give the keynote speech at the convention. Within half an hour the line stretched all the way through the Omni Shoreham hotel and out into the street. Rush was in such demand crowds were placed into two large over-flow rooms with giant projector screens and some were even turned away. It was by far the largest audience ever for a speaker at CPAC shattering the record audiences set by Ronald Reagan.

As Limbaugh was introduced the room instantly sprung alive and filled with energy. In fact it was so energetic, Limbaugh was scheduled to speak for half an hour; but convention organizers told him to keep going. He ended up speaking for an hour and a half, and it was the re-awakening of a sleeping giant that is ready to rumble. It is American Conservatism, and I was thrilled to be there to see it, witness it and be a part of it.

Two things I want to harp on from the speech. Limbaugh discussed and defined conservatism in the words I have been searching for, but could never quite find.

Limbaugh told the crowd most Americans think they know what conservatism, but they know it the way it is packaged by the media and Hollywood in movies and such. We conservative know what conservatism is, but we make the mistake and assume everyone else does too. We need to do a better job of telling people who we are.

Limbaugh: “Let me tell you who we conservatives are: We love people. (applause) When we look out over the United States of America, when we are anywhere -- when we see a group of people, such as this or anywhere -- we see Americans. We see human beings. We don't see groups. We don't see victims. We don't see people we want to exploit. What we see -- (applause) what we see is potential. We do not look out across the country and see the average American -- the person that makes this country work -- we do not see that person with contempt. We don't think that person doesn't have what it takes. We believe that person can be the best he or she wants to be if certain things are just removed from their path like onerous taxes, regulations and too much government. (applause)

We want every American to be the best he or she chooses to be. We recognize that we are all individuals. We love and revere our founding documents, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. (applause) We believe that the preamble to the Constitution [sic] contains an inarguable truth that we are all endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life, (applause) liberty, freedom, (applause) and the pursuit of happiness. (applause) Now, those of you watching at home may wonder why this is being applauded….. We conservatives think all three are under assault.”

Yes, Limbaugh misspoke, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are from the Declaration of Independence not the constitution, but that is not the point. Limbaugh is exactly right; these things are under assault straight from DC. Never in our history has there been an attack on our way of life so strong from within, but let’s also make one thing clear. The attack has not been limited to the current political party in power.

Republicans have done a nice job of growing government and destroying individual freedom as well.

Limbaugh addresses some of the Party’s problems as well, stuff I have been saying for years.

”Now let’s talk about the conservative movement as it were. We, ladies and gentlemen, have challenges that are part and parcel of a movement that feels it has just suffered a humiliating defeat when it’s not humiliating. This wasn’t a landslide victory, 52 to, what, 46. 58 million people voted against Obama. There would have been more if we would have had a conservative nominee. [Applause] I don’t mean that — I mean that in an instructive way, as a lead-in to what I’m talking about here. No humiliating defeat here. I can’t — sometimes I get livid and angry.

We do have an organizational problem. We have a challenge. We’ve got factions now within our own movement seeking power to dominate it, and worst of all to redefine it. Well, the Constitution doesn’t need to be redefined. Conservative intellectuals, the Declaration of Independence does not need to be redefined and neither does conservativism. Conservativism is what it is and it is forever. It’s not something you can bend and shape and flake and form. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you.

For the purposes of this occasion, I’m not going to mention any names, I bet with you I won’t have to. People watching my first address to the nation might be curious what I’m talking about. They’ll find out in due course, trust me on this. I cringed — it might have been 2007, late 2007 or sometime during 2008, but a couple of prominent conservative but beltway establishment media types began to write on the concept that the era of Reagan is over. [Crowd Booing]
And that we needed to adapt our appeal, because, after all, what’s important in politics is winning elections.

And so we have to understand that the American people, they want big government. We just have to find a way to tell them we’re no longer opposed to that. We will come up with our own version of it that is wiser and smarter, but we’ve got to go get the WalMart voter, and we’ve got to get the Hispanic voter, and we’ve got to get the recalcitrant independent women. And I’m listening to this and I am just apoplectic: The era of Reagan is over? When the hell do you hear a Democrat say the era of FDR is over? You never hear it. Not only that, the President of the United States today thinks he’s FDR, thinks he’s Abraham Lincoln, and sometimes, Tuesday night, thinks he’s Ronald Reagan. Our own movement has members trying to throw Reagan out while the Democrats know they can’t accomplish what they want unless they appeal to Reagan voters. We have got to stamp this out within this movement, because it will tear us apart. It will guarantee we lose elections.” [Applause]

What Limbaugh is describing is a lack of leadership. There is a lack of leadership in the Republican Party across the board, from the Republican National Committee, the Senate and the House. The leadership to stand up on conservative principles and stand up to the opposition, not trying to compromise or reach out has been missing from the party for a long time.

Millions of conservatives and republicans are sitting on the sidelines waiting to be led, but they won’t have anything to do with the RNC. When the RNC calls them for donations they get hung up on. They are sick of the opportunist elitists who can’t see past the DC beltway that have hijacked the Republican Party. The RNC is so far out of touch with whom their base is. They think they can win elections by selling big government better, by ignoring the base and appealing to moderates and independents. We all saw how well that worked out in the midterm election and the presidential election with John McCain.

It seems Limbaugh is the only one on the national level that realizes this, or is the only one with the guts to address it. Limbaugh may have emerged as one of the leaders of the conservative movement, and has sparked the real leaders of the movement, us, but he is not the leader of the Party. It will have to be the grass roots of this movement that will lead the elitist of the RNC back to the party’s core principles and values.

News and Views from Around the Web

Pat Buchanan has an excellent column about the cost of President Obama’s new budget and the taxes you are about to see to pay for it.

Interesting study “Freedom in the 50 States: Index of Personal and Economic Freedom” lists New Hampshire, South Dakota and Colorado in a three way tie for the freest states, New York is the least free…on personal freedom alone Alaska tops the chart, while Maryland brings up the rear.

Need cheap affordable housing? The median price for a house in Detroit is $7,500…

New study finds Muslims in the United States are happier than Muslims in other countries…they needed a study for this?

President Obama has nominated yet another with tax issues. Ron Kirk, nominee for US Trade Representative owes nearly $10,000 in back taxes. Is it a requirement to be a tax cheat to be nominated?

Stuart Rothenberg wonders if it’s possible for the GOP to loose even more seats in Congress…well, judging by their continuous betrayal of the base I would say the answer is an astounding yes!

Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is getting a six-figure deal to right a book…Amazing!

We've lost $3 trillion in American wealth since the election. Investors are walking away. Capital is on strike. Why? According to Investor's Business Daily, the people with the money just have no confidence in the person with the power. This is not good…

Big T's Pic of the Day

I told you it was a relifious following!!!

This photo was taken at a Borders Bookstore in the north east.

If you oppose the stimulus, don’t take the money?

Liberal commentator and Clinton buddy, Paul Begala, is criticizing S.C. Governor Mark Sanford over his opposition to the stimulus bill. He says if you oppose the bail out don’t take the money.

If I was Sanford I would respond back: “I won’t take the money if constituents and business in my state doesn’t have to pay federal income tax.


Then watch business and new jobs flock to S.C to avoid taxes….You know, the FairTax would do the same thing for all those jobs that have been taxed out of the country overseas.

Let’s Call It What It Is…

It’s all in the name…politicians love names, especially the left. If what you call something has a negative context just change the name. Liberal become progressive, because who doesn’t like progress. Welfare checks are now “handouts.” Government spending has become “re-investing.” And that takes us to the economic stimulus plan, which will now be called the “Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.”

It was never a stimulus plan anyways, but it is not much of a recovery plan either. Why don’t we just call it what it is? “The Government spending, growth, expansion and Democrat job insurance plan.”

Socialist Republic of Illinois trying to make it harder for gun owners

The Socialist Republic of Illinois (My home state) is doing everything they can to make it harder to be a gun owner. The Illinois legislator would like nothing more than to disarm its citizens, but they know they can’t pass laws to do it. There is this little old outdated piece of paper called the Constitution with the Bill of Rights that contains the Second Amendment. However, what they do know is with enough government regulation they will eventually cripple and destroy the industry.

So Lawmakers in the state have put forth a bill that will require gun owners to maintain a liability insurance policy of at least 1 million dollars in coverage.

You can see this bill here: HB0687, the Firearm Owners ID-Insurance bill:

"Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that any person who owns a firearm in this State shall maintain a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Provides that a person shall be deemed the owner of a firearm after the firearm is lost or stolen until such loss or theft is reported to the police department or sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the owner resides. Provides that the Department of State Police shall revoke and seize a Firearm Owner's Identification Card previously issued under this Act if the Department finds that the person to whom such card was issued possesses or acquires a firearm and does not submit evidence to the Department of State Police that he or she has been issued in his or her name a liability insurance policy in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Effective January 1, 2010."

Politicians are aware that law abiding gun owners are not the problem, but when you are in the business of absolute control over a group of citizens or a population controlling access to weapons is crucial.

Here is one thing to keep in mind. Government has one power that the rest of us do not. The government can use force to accomplish their goals. It has happened time and time again throughout history. We should be very concerned and untrusting of any politician who fears the thought of private citizens retaining the ability to defend themselves.

Nearly 60% of U.S. voters fear too much government spending

A new Rasmussen poll shows fifty-nine percent of U.S. voters are worried that the Democratic controlled Congress and President Barrack Obama will increase government spending too much over the next year or two.

Well golly…what the hell did you expect when you voted these jack asses into office? It is just a little bit late to be worried about that now. Elections have consequences folks.

However, it is not like a Republican majority would have been any better. Spending increased faster in the last eight years than any other time in history, and that is after you subtract spending on the war.

New Jersey schools to teach Finance 101 classes for high school seniors.

A bill has passed the state legislator in New Jersey that will require high school seniors be taught how to write a check, manage credit card debt, and obtain a mortgage.

It’s amazing they were not already being taught this stuff. I remember learning this stuff when I was in 8th grade and a freshman.

Of course leave it to a Democrat to express concerns about the added requirement.

Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Absecon, is worried about adding requirements to the curriculum without extending the length of the school day.

Of course what Whelan is really worried about is the idea of people actually being able to take care of themselves without the help of government. See that would be a loss of power.

Mistresses Feeling Economical Crunch

The economy must be worse than I thought! More than 80 percent of multi-millionaires are cutting back spending on their mistress, 12 percent say they are going to dump them up all together.

See folks, it’s not just the working poor and middle-class hurting out there. Those poor mistresses are feeling the economical impact too!

No more free plane rides, lavish restaurants and diamonds…oh the misery out there.

News and Views from Around the Web

How to be a good republican? Well, that is easy. You strongly oppose the stimulus package, vote against it and then praise it after it passes for all the money it is bringing to your state. This is why I left the party…

Gary Younge writes for the Guardian in the UK . He says President Obama is popular, and his stimulus bill is being hailed as a victory, but no one really believes it will work.

This is real bad news…China is trying to figure out ways to diversify and dump the U.S. dollar…Yeah, I would too. Especially after the passing of this stimulus bill, China is not stupid…but if China isn’t going to buy all this debt we keep racking up then who will? It should be a question of great concern.

Kansas has a serious cash-flow problem. The state is virtually out of money…They may put a delay of state tax refunds and state worker paychecks. If you don’t pay your taxes the state takes your stuff, if the state doesn’t pay you can you take their stuff?

A Miami banker gave $60 million of his own money to employs as bonuses…What’s he doing? Doesn’t he know you can’t give out bonuses, only the government can give out things! Bad socialist…

I hope you are not in the brewery industry in Oregon . Oregon state lawmakers want to impose a 1,900 percent tax on each barrel of beer produced in the state. Ever get the feeling beer produced in Oregon will now be produced in Washington or California . Way to tax people out of jobs Oregon .

Richland County S.C. Sherriff has decided not to charge swimmer Michael Phelps with smoking the pot…

Big T's Pic of the Day

A Small Glimpse of the Spending in the Stimuls Bill

Since actual journalist won’t do their job and break down what is in this outrageous economical spending—oops--I mean stimulus bill, I have done it for them.

The legislation was released to the public at 11pm on Thursday, and because I have no life and am a geek and nerd, I have spent hours upon hours into the wee hours of the morning going through parts of the stimulus bill looking for where our tax dollars are going. This is by no means a full list of spending projects in the final economic stimulus bill, but it represents a good cross section of what I found.

This piece of legislation is well over 1000 pages long. I find it extremely hard to believe that any member of Congress read it before voting to pass it on Friday.

If you want to take a look for yourself, follow the links below:

As I mentioned, it is not a small document, one reason it was broken into four different parts for your downloading and reading enjoyment. I recommend several cups of coffee or red bulls to help you along the way.

http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/hr1_legtext_cr.pdf - Division A - 31.9 MB

http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/hr1_legtext_crb.pdf - Division B - 876 kb

http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/hr1_cr_jes.pdf - Statment Div A - 13.9 MB

http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/hr1_cr_jesb.pdf - Statement Div B - 32.4 MB

Here is just a few of the things that I found:

$24 million for construction and repairs to US Department of Agriculture facilities

$22.5 million for the USDA Inspector General for oversight on the stimulus bill

$176 million for deferred maintenance on US Agricultural Research Service facilities

$50 million to modernize and maintain the IT system of the Farm Service Agency

$290 million for "Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations"

$50 million for "Wastershed Rehabiliation Program"

$1 billion for rural housing direct loans

$10.4 billion for rural housing guaranteed loans

$2.5 billion for rural distance learning, telemedicine and broadband

$100 million in grants for National School Lunch Program equipment assistance

$150 million in agricultural commodity assistance

$1 billion for the Census Bureau

$4.7 billion for "Broadband Technology Opportunities Program" which includes $350 million for the development of a "broadband inventory map"

$650 million for Digital TV converter box program

$220 million for Scientific research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology

$360 million for Construction of scientific research facilities

$230 million in extra budget money for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

$600 million for NOAA "Procurement, Acquisition and Construction"

$225 million in grants for programs to combat violence against women

$2 billion in state and local law enforcement assistance grants

$225 million in grants to improve the criminal justice system

$225 million in law enforcement assistance to Indian Tribes

$100 million for the "office for Victims of Crime"

$125 million in law enforcement assistance for rural areas

$50 million in state and local grants to combat internet crime against kids

$1 billion for the COPS program

$400 million in operations budget money for NASA

$150 million for "Aeronautics" at NASA

$400 million for "Exploration" at NASA

$2.5 billion for research at the National Science Foundation

$100 million for NSF "Education and Human Resources"

$400 million for NSF "Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction"

$1.4 billion in Army "Operation and Maintenance"

$657 million in Navy "Operation and Maintenance"

$113 million in Marine Corps "Operation and Maintenance"

$1.09 billion for Air Force "Operation and Maintenance"

$98 million for Army Reserve "Operation and Maintenance"

$55 million for Navy Reserve "Operation and Maintenance"

$39 million in Marine Corps Reserve "Operation and Maintenance"

$13 million for Air Force Reserve "Operation and Maintenance"

$266 million for Army National Guard "Operation and Maintenance"

$25 million for Air National Guard "Operation and Maintenance"

$75 million each for Army, Navy, Air Force "Research, Development, Test and Evaluation"

$400 million for "Defense Health Program"

$2 billion for Army Corps of Engineers construction

$375 million for Army Corps projects on the Mississippi and tributaries

$2.07 billion for Army Corps of Engineers "Operation and Maintenance"

$100 million for "Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program"

$1 billion for Interior Department "Water and Related Resources"

$50 million for Central Utah Project Completion Act

$50 million for California Bay-Delta Restoration Act

$10 million to inspect canals in urban areas

$16.8 billion for Energy Department, "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy"

$5 billion of that goes for "Weatherization Assistance"

$4.5 billion to improve the nation's electricity grid

$3.4 billion for "Fossil Energy Research and Development"

$483 million for "Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup"

$390 million for "Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund"

$1.6 billion for "Science"

$6 billion "Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program"

$5.12 billion for "Defense Environmental Cleanup"

$7 million for oversight of "Making Work Pay" tax credits and payments in this bill

$80 million to implement health insurance tax credit plan

$5.5 billion for the "Federal Buildings Fund"

$300 million to buy energy efficient vehicles for the federal government

$200 million to consolidate the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters

$100 million for hi tech border security technology along the Mexican border

$420 million for construction of US Customs land border ports of entry

$20 million for tactical communications equipment for immigration enforcement

$1 billion for Aviation Security (explosive detection equipment)

$98 million for improvements to Coast Guard shore facilities

$142 million for "Alteration of Bridges"

$150 million in FEMA Public Transportation Security Assistance grants

$150 million for Port Security Grants

$210 million in grants to upgrade non-Federal fire stations

$125 million for Bureau of Land Management activities

$180 million for Bureau of Land Management construction

$15 million for Wildland Fire Management

$165 million for Fish and Wildlife Service deferred maintenance

$115 million for Fish and Wildlife Service construction projects

$15 million for preservation at Historically Black Colleges

$589 million for National Park System construction

$140 million for repair and restoration of US Geological Survey facilities

$450 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs construction

$600 million for EPA Superfund program

$200 million for Leaking Underground Storage Tank program

$4 billion in Clean Water grants

$2 billion for safe drinking water projects

$300 million for "Diesel Emission Reduction Act grants"

$650 million in US Forest Service "Capital Improvement and Maintenance"

$500 million for Wildland Fire Management

$85 million for Indian Health Services

$415 million for Indian Health Facilities construction projects

$25 million for repairs on Smithsonian Institution facilities

$50 million for National Endowment for the Arts to help preserve jobs in the non-profit arts

sector

$3.95 billion in worker training and employment services

$400 million in state unemployment insurance funding

$80 million for enforcement of worker protection laws

$250 million for construction of Job Corps Centers

$500 million in grants to health care centers

$1.5 billion for health information technology systems

$500 million to address health professions workforce shortages

$1.3 billion for National Institutes of Health research resource

$7.4 billion for Office of the Director, NIH

$500 million for high priority construction at NIH

$700 million for comparative effectiveness research

$2 billion in low-income child care assistance

$1 billion in funding for Head Start

$1.1 billion for expansion of Early Head Start

$1 billion for Community Services Block Grant Act

$2 billion for Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology

$300 million for CDC childhood immunization programs

$650 million for community-based prevention and wellness strategies

$50 million in grants to states for infections reduction strategies

$13 billion in Title I education funding

$720 million in school improvement grants

$200 million in "Innovation and Improvement" education grants

$12.2 billion in Special Education funding

$15.8 billion in student financial assistance money

$89 million in AmeriCorps awards money

$500 million to replace the National Computer Center for Social Security

$500 million to process disability and retirement claims

$180 million in Army Military Construction

$280 million in Navy and Marine Corps Military Construction

$180 million in Air Force Military Construction funds

$1.33 billion to build military hospitals

$120 million for military energy conservation programs

$50 million for Army National Guard Military Construction

$50 million for Air National Guard Military Construction

$34 million for Army family housing construction

$80 million for Air Force family housing construction

$555 million for "Homeowners Assistance Fund"

$1 billion for Veterans Affairs medical facilities

$50 million for National Cemetery Administration

$150 million to hire temporary VA claims processors

$50 million for VA Information Technology Systems

$150 million in grants to build state extended care facilities

$90 million for passport and training functions facilities

$290 million for State Department IT security upgrades

$1.5 billion in surface transportation infrastructure

$200 million for FAA infrastructure projects

$1.1 billion in airport grants

$27.5 billion in railroad and port infrastructure investments

$105 million for Puerto Rico highway program

$60 million in competitive transportation grants to states

$550 million for transportation on Indian reservations

$8 billion for high-speed rail

$1.3 billion for Amtrak

$6.9 billion in mass transit capital assistance

$100 million in discretionary grants to public transit agencies

$750 million for mass transit rail improvements

$4 billion in "Public Housing Capital Fund"

$510 million in Native American Housing Block Grants

$1 billion in Community Development Grants

$2 billion in emergency aid for the redevelopment of foreclosed homes

$2.25 billion for low-income housing tax credit projects$1.5 billion in a homelessness prevention fund

What does the stimulus bill have to do with healthcare? Apparently a lot!

As republicans and critics argued over the right mix of tax cuts and whether money was going to the right places to jump-start the economy, no one was objecting to the healthcare provisions that were slipped in to the bill without debate or discussion.

Senators should have read over this stimulus bill with more scrutiny before blindly voting for it. They should have paid extra attention to the provisions lined out in H.R. 1 EH (page numbers mentioned refer to this pdf version) and voted against it, because it is dangerous to your health, and I am not talking about the aneurysm you put yourself at risk of from reading this mess.
The stimulus bill will affect every aspect of the healthcare industry, from medical and nursing education, to how patients are treated and how much money hospitals will get paid.

These new provisions are clearly a reflection of the ideas of Tom Daschle as they are virtually identical to what he proposed in his 2008 book, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” (A book I just recently finished reading. Coincidence? I think not.) In the book Daschle suggests doctors give up their autonomy and “learn to operate less like solo practitioners. Daschle was the nominee to head the Health and Human Services Department, until recently.

If you read pages 445, 454 and 479 it is clear new health rules in this bill will affect “every individual in the United States.” A federal system is now going to electronically track every medical treatment you receive.

Having electronic medical records instantly available for easy transfer to other hospitals is no doubt beneficial, but the bill goes further. It will create a brand new government bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, to monitor treatments and make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions. (Pages 442, 446)

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my doctor to work for the federal government and their interests, but rather work for me and mine.

There is also a summary of penalties in the bill you can read about on pages 511, 518 and 540-541. Under this bill Hospitals and doctors that are determined to not be “meaningful users” of the new system will face penalties. “Meaningful user” or the penalties is not clearly defined or stated in the bill. The new HHS secretary, who will be empowered to impose “more stringent measures of meaningful use over time”, will determine that. Whatever that means?

And what exactly are the penalties? Will they deter your doctor from going beyond the electronically delivered protocol if you have a special condition or you need an experimental treatment?

There is no doubt in my mind the vagueness of this was done intentionally. If we go back to Daschle’s book, he proposes an appointed body with vast powers to make the “tough” decisions others won’t make. The stimulus bill does just that and covers it on pages 190-192. It is called the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

Daschle also explains in his book the goal is to slow the development and use of new medications and technologies because they are driving up costs. He goes on to praise European systems for their willingness to accept “hopeless diagnoses” and “forego experimental treatments.” Daschle criticizes Americans for expecting too much from the healthcare system. He explains the reform “will not be pain free,” and seniors should be more accepting of conditions that come with age instead of treating them.

Interestingly this goal is accomplished in the bill as well. Medicare currently pays for treatments deemed safe and effective, but the stimulus bill would change that. According to the bill on page 464 there will now be cost-effectiveness standard set by the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

Daschle also tells us in his book the blue print for this council is modeled after a board in the U.K. named the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence that approves or rejects treatments using a formula that divides the cost of treatment by the number of years the patient is likely to benefit. Treatments for younger patients are more often approved than treatments for diseases that affect the elderly.

In 2006, the U.K. health board, NICE, denied treatment and a costly new drug to elderly patients with macular degeneration until they went blind in one eye. It took almost three years of public protest to reverse the decision.

Hiding the groundwork for universal or socialized healthcare in a stimulus bill was intentional. Daschle and supporters of the Clinton administration’s universal health care plans in 1994 learned an important lesson. They cannot pass universal healthcare with a debate and delay on the issue. In fact Daschle noted last year the next president should act quickly before critics mount an opposition. “If that means attaching a healthcare plan to the federal budget, so be it,” he said. “The issue is too important to be stalled by Senate protocol.”

The newly elected administration and Congress are following the script. All last week, President Obama was out pushing the stimulus bill calling it “inexcusable and irresponsible” for senators to delay passing the stimulus bill. In truth, the bill needed more scrutiny. Scrutiny they new would destroy their road to socialized medicine.

Universal Healthcare and the Uninsured

We know the groundwork has been laid for universal healthcare in the stimulus bill, but how long will it be before it is a reality? It looks like universal or national healthcare may be here sooner than you think. Congress plans to address the issue very soon, perhaps in the first 100 days of the Obama Presidency.




The democrats are wasting no time either. They are well underway to getting the process started. Montana Senator Democrat Max Baucus, senate finance committee chairman, has unveiled his own healthcare plan. It is very similar to President Barack Obama’s plan from the campaign trail, but there is one little exception. Under Baucus' plan Americans would be required to have health insurance. In other words, it would be illegal for you to be without health insurance.

They claim the goal of the new proposal is to provide insurance for the so-called 47 million uninsured Americans we keep hearing about, but who are the 47 million uninsured?

Many of them are illegal immigrants, others can actually afford to pay medical costs out of pocket and some are too lazy to sign up for government health care benefits they are eligible for.

Here are some numbers from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) conducted in 2007 by the US Census Bureau.





· 9.7 million of the uninsured are non-citizens or illegal immigrants

· 7 million live in households with incomes between $50,000 and $75,000

· 7.6 million live in households with incomes more than $100,000

So that leaves 22.7 million uninsured or about 8% of the population, of which 7-10 million are eligible for government healthcare programs but fail to sign up according to the Congressional Budget report. This means the number of hardship and chronically uninsured Americans is closer to 12-15 million or approximately 4-5% of the population. This is hardly a healthcare crisis.



Under the government solution employers will be forced to provide health insurance to employees. Those who do not provide health insurance will have to pay into a fund to cover the uninsured. In other words, healthcare will no longer be an employer benefit, but a government mandate. This is just another hidden tax on business.





An analysis of Barack Obama's healthcare plan by a consulting firm estimates that his plan, which is similar to Baucus' proposal, would cost the taxpayers $75 billion in the first year. By 2018, we will have spent over $1 trillion to fund this government insurance scheme.





The analysis also found that Obama's plan might worsen some problems like shortages of primary care doctors. The report also said, "Unless costs are cut, growing health care costs will increase the costs of Obama's plan dramatically over time and reduce the effectiveness of mandates. This could make the federal costs unsustainably high."

This leaves the question is 4-5% of uninsured Americans enough reason to destroy one of the best healthcare providers in the world by turning it into a socialist system?

If you still think it is, I suggest you take the time to read this well researched article comparing the different healthcare systems outside the United States by Michael Tanner, health policy expert at the Cato Institute.

You might find it interesting how many people escape their countries’ socialized medical systems for care in the United States to include former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Burlusconi. Tens of thousands of foreigners seek treatment in the US every year and one out of three Canadian physicians sends a patient to the US every year. The Canadian healthcare system pays 1 billion a year for care in the US.



Although it is definitely not perfect, no system is, one could argue that there is no system better than the US. Universal or national healthcare is not only bad for Americans, but also bad for the world.

News and Views from Around the Web

It’s nice to know our government is not alone when it comes to wasteful spending, China has spent earthquake donation funds on luxury vehicles.

It seems a lot of Americans are turning to the golden arches in these hard economical times. McDonalds reports 80% rise in profits for 2008.

Here is some good news; retail sales were up last month after a six-months of decline. Another sign the economy may be improving without the help of the stimulus bill.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) warns that America is heading towards a looming entitlement crisis… Gee, I wonder what his first clue was?

Almost 70% of Americans feel that they could do a better job on the economy than Congress…Well, they couldn’t do any worse.

When Michael Moore wants to make a film about the financial crisis, where does he turn to for expert advice? How about the The Daily Kos! I guess economist were too hard to find.

Times are tough for government budgets. So tough that Berkeley's public arts program is going to pay an artist $196,000 to create dog statues.

Arkansas is considering a bill that would allow people to carry concealed handguns into churches. No problems here. I think law-abiding citizens should be able to carry handguns wherever they want.

Mark Cuban has come up with his own version of an economic stimulus that relies on entrepreneurs, hard work and ingenuity, rather than government. What a concept! Genius!

How many jobs will the stimulus bill have to create to be successful? Seems like a fair question, but no one seems to be able to answer it.

Dick Morris has some useful information on our “culture of debt” and how dangerous it is. I have been telling you this stuff for years!

It looks like Meg Whitman, former CEO of E-bay, is going to put her name in the hat to run for Governor of California. Perhaps she can take the liquidity out of that mess and sell it on E-bay!

One of the brilliant senator’s from Massachusetts John Kerry is concerned about tax cuts because people would be "free to invest anywhere that they want if they choose to invest." Yeah John, I know this is hard for you to grasp, but it is called freedom!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Bambi II

now out on DVD...definately looks better

than the first one!

Happy New Year

Well, I have survived another year and another New Years Eve bash. I am in recovery mode today, but here is some reading for you…Happy New Year!

Strange Christmas Play Station 3 Offer...

This came in my e-mail yesterday. Apparently this was a Christmas posting for a Play Station 3 on Craigslist. I am not sure if it was real or not, but wouldn’t be all that surprised I guess if it were real. Here is the posting:

PlayStation 3 (the city)
Reply to: XXXXXXXXX@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-12-07, 10:54AM EST

I have a Brand new in-box PlayStation 3 gaming system that you can obtain for a special price. It is the 80gb model and includes 2 brand new dualshock 3 wireless controllers.

I do not want your money or thanks. To obtain this top of line gaming system, you must let me punch you in the face three times and your child must be present. If you have multiple children, I would prefer you bring your youngest child.

This is not a joke. If you want to be your children's hero on Christmas, we will meet at a location that I will specify to you, and I will proceed to punch you in the face in front of your child. You may brace yourself if you want before I begin to punch you, for I am a man of large stature (6'6, 275lbs) In between each punch, I want you to instruct your child not cry. If your child so much as whimpers, the deal is off.

Don't think I am a man to be trifled with or that you and a friend can ambush me. I am a former NAVY SEAL and a veteran of the Irag War.

This is the best deal you will ever find on a PlayStation 3. A truly unique offer. You are welcome to inspect the product for authenticity before the deal is done.

Email me for more specific details and we can arrange a rendevous.

Merry Christmas.

I do not believe this guy to be a NAVY SEAL; the Internet is filled with fake 6’6”, 275-pound former Seals. My guess is this guy is either 5’8” or a 6’6” tub of waste living in his mom’s basement playing “Call of Duty 4” which is the closest thing he will ever see to becoming a Seal or a veteran of the Iraq war.

My response to his add: I am not an inch over 6’ and weigh about 180-pounds. I am an Army paratrooper and former member of the 82nd Airborne Division and a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like to meet you to discuss and deal with your attempt to give Seals and Iraq war veterans a bad name. You won’t hit me, unless your lucky, I don’t have a son and I will be giving your Play Station 3 to some unfortunate kids who lost their father in Iraq.

Merry Christmas A*! Hole…and a Happy New Year

News and Views from Around the Web

More like entertainment and useless knowledge from around the web. Hey you didn’t expect anything serious this week did you?

This was strangely interesting and disturbing…Dan Akroyd has webbed toes! Gotta love You Tube.

Age catches up with all of us, even the Hollywood stars. Some of them have not aged so gracefully.

Here is a great photo list of the 50 hottest Victoria's Secret models of all time. Probably not safe for the office, if anyone is actually there besides you today, or home, if your wife is there. There is no nude shots, but use your discretion.

Here is something to look at during these rough economical times, 65 famous people who lost it all and went bankrupt.

Try an all-new and refreshing Tentacle Grape soda. Available now…watch out you gonna get graped!

Are you unhappy with your Christmas presents? Check out what Dave got for Christmas, that last gift is pretty nice though.

Big T's Pic of the Day

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers…

I am enjoying Christmas with my family on the farm in Illinois. My parents and two brothers are here and we are just having a great time. It is the first time we have all been together for Christmas in several years.

What I am not enjoying is those frigid cold temperatures, snow and ice, but I am making the best of it!

I have been slacking big time this month on the blog. My apologies…I won’t be blogging much until the first of the year, I will try to throw in some news and views between now and then, but how about we get caught up with some random thoughts.

Big T's Random Thoughts of Wisdom

*It has been pretty cold in Illinois this week…Maybe we could get Al Gore up here to talk about global warming. I am sure his hot air could warm things up a degree or two.

*The majority of the problems facing America today are not nearly as bad as the so-called “solutions” politicians come up with…especially during an election year.

*Instead of a 750 billion bailout to banks and more money for the auto industry, why not a 350-400 million dollar bailout for everyone. The U.S. population is 350-400 million. Everyone gets a million dollars with the stipulation they must pay off debt. Mortgages are paid off with money left over for to buy cars. I call it the bail everyone out bill. Hey, it may not work, but it is a hell of a lot cheaper than the current bailout that has not worked.

*Last time I checked the qualifications to be a U.S. Senator is outlined in Article 1, Section 3, of the United States Constitution. It states a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen of 9 years and a resident of the state at the time of election…that is it…there is nothing about experience. This makes Caroline Kennedy completely qualified for the Senate seat in New York, and if that is whom the governor wants to appoint to the seat, then so be it.

Republicans should back off, because they are really starting to look like the Jack Asses on this one. Oh, by the way, Barack Obama is completely qualified to be president and Sarah Palin vice president as determined by the constitution.

*Why is it sports analyst and weathermen can be wrong everyday and people still tune in to listen to their wisdom? And football players can throw interceptions, drop catches, fumble the ball, miss tackles and miss field goals, but still make millions…

*President George W. Bush has some great reflexes when it comes to dodging shoes. I haven’t seen moves like that since Keanu Reeves in the movie “The Matrix.” I wonder if Bush has any experience in the dodging shoes department. Laura Bush seems to be the type of gal that would probably throw some shoes if you made her mad enough.

In fact I had flashbacks to the time shoes were thrown at me. They were not thrown by an Iraqi and definitely not a size 10, but she did call me a dog with some other choice words as she threw her 2inch stiletto high heels at me!

*It was not surprising to me to see the governor of Illinois indicted on charges of corruption. This is the same thug style Chicago politics that have ruled the Socialist Republic of Illinois for more than 60 years!

*As expected, Time magazine has named Barrak Obama Person of the Year in 2008. Other finalist on the list included U.S. Treasury Sec. Henry Paulson, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

I personally think that is a weak list. I haven’t decided who should be Person of the Year, but my short list looks a bit different. My nominees for Person of the Year go to: Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, General David Patraeus, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamel al Maliki.

*A severe winter storm swept through Nevada last week dumping the most snow Las Vegas has seen in nearly 30 years! 40-degree temperatures plagued Texas and Tampa Bay, Fla. saw temperatures 20 degrees below normal. This global warming mess looks more and more like the hoax that it is everyday. Of course the warmers claim the cold weather pattern is the proof of global warming…say what? But then all the little warmer followers nod their heads and say, “yeah, that’s right…told you global warming is a problem.”

*After thinking about this for a while, I understand why all these CEOs keep running to the government for a bailout. Government schools educated most of these CEOs, and one of the first things they were taught was government can solve your problems. So, now they have a huge problem, so they turn to the government for the solution.

*Fox News anchor Brit Hume has left Special Report. Last night, Christmas Eve was his last show. This is unfortunate…there was not a better news program on the air. It will be interesting to see who takes his place.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

I would give President Bush a C- on his overall presidency, but he gets an A+ on his policies keeping America safe from terrorism. Here is how some of those policies that kept us safe, policies the democrats opposed I may add.

Thomas Sowell may be the brightest economist on Earth! He writes about-facing reality and the bailout of the Big Three.

Phillip Howard thinks while Congress dishes out tough advise to the Big Three about restructuring, perhaps they should look in the mirror and restructure themselves…I couldn’t agree more…

You know that “card check” bill I keep mentioning, otherwise known as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would eliminate secret ballots when workers vote to unionize. Well it turns out it is unconstitutional. Yeah...like Obama and friends are going to let that little piece of out dated paper stop them.

Earlier this year I said this election was about “What can my country do for me, without me having to do anything for my country.” Here….read this.

He is the King of Rock and the King of Christmas music??? Elvis Presley’s 1957 debut Christmas album remains the most popular with more than 12 million copies sold.

Here are some amazing photographs from 2008.

Big T's Pic of the day

Here is a look at one of the ballots Al Franken is trying to get thrown out in Minnesota!

Big T Has Now Roamed the Earth for 32 Years.

As of yesterday I have now roamed the Earth for 32 years! I remember when I thought that was a long time, but now I realize it isn’t that long at all.

Anyhow, I hope to accomplish a lot more in the next 32 years than what I did in my first 32…lots of time a wasted, but damn did I have some fun!

All Eyes on Georgia

It’s Election Day in Georgia. Today the people of Georgia may well decide how Obama will “rule” (his words, not mine) for the next two years. A democrat win at the polls today could allow these socialist to roll on with their polices of universal healthcare, federalizing pension plans and wealth distribution.

A vote for Jim Martin, who was campaigning with Ludacris yesterday, is more than the ousting of a Republican from the Senate. It’s a mandate for the liberal agenda.

Big T’s Book of the Month

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. It is an old one, but a good one. Atlas Shrugged was published in 1957. I read the book about seven years ago, but never has it been more relevant than today. This book has been praised and criticized by both conservatives and liberals and no matter which side of the political fence you reside on, this book will more than likely make you feel very uncomfortable about our current economic and government situation, but that is good for you…

It is unclear what time period the book is supposed to represent. There are several early 20th century technologies, but the political and economical situations are completely different than actual history of that time period.

It centers around the American industrial sector, in a time the U.S. is the only nation that has not become a people’s state. Times are hard and getting harder, as the nation is in a deep recession. One of the capitalist characters, Hank Reardon, a self-made man who started as an ordinary steel mill worker, showed talent and later founded Reardon Steel. It is up to Rearden and others like him to save the country, but there are a couple of problems in their way. One, the government seeks more and more intervention and control when it should be stepping back. Secondly, people like Rearden seem to be diminishing from society at a time they are critically needed.

The book is not a portrayal of capitalism or socialism, nor does it represent nationalization of private property. Instead it focuses on the point of a mixed economical system. At one point Hank Rearden confronts the government bureaucrats with “Why don’t you take over my mills and be done with it,” the bureaucrats react with “a jolt of genuine horror” and cries of “Oh no!” “We wouldn’t think of it,” and “We stand for free enterprise!”…Sound familiar?

Although academia and the media have ignored this novel, I say your education is not fulfilled until it is read. This is one of the most thought provoking books I’ve read, and should be required reading at all levels of education. It is an amazing novel of the killing and re-birth of the spirit of man, and helped change how I view the political spectrum and economics.

Is the Clinton Appointment legal?

Well, Hillary Clinton got the anointment from the “chosen one” Barack Obama to be Secretary of State, but is the appointment legal under the constitution? Some legal scholars say no.

They say the constitution forbids the appointment because the position received a raise while she held her Senate seat. Here is what Article 1, Section 6 of the constitution says: "No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office."

It seams pretty clear to me that it is not constitutional, but it hasn’t stopped other presidents from doing it in the past. After all it is just an out dated piece paper…just like Obama’s birth certificate.

Say Goodbye to Privatized 401K Plans

If democrats get their way, and that is a good possibility, say goodbye to your privatized 401K plan. They want to take over those and convert them into a universal Guaranteed Retirement Accounts (GRA’s) managed by the Social Security Administration…just what we need…more government. Oops, I mean change...

So why would the Democrats consider a plan like this? Well one is for wealth redistribution and the other is because government knows best. Americans are to stupid to take care of themselves.

For the latest information on what the Democrats want to do to your private pension plans read this excellent article by Karen McMahan published in the Carolina Journal. Pay close attention to the part that says the government will seize half your pension plan if you die, only allowing half your pension to be left to your family.

Don’t you folks just love all this new “change!”

They Mayor With No Political Affiliation

The Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama Larry Langford has been brought up on federal charges including conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering and filing false income tax returns.

Now I have read at least 6 news stories on this and not one mentions his political affiliation. Now why do you suppose that is?

Since the first line of the story does not read “Republican Mayor Larry Langford…” I will assume he is a democrat. If anyone knows otherwise let me know, but I will bet the remaining of my stock portfolio he is a Democrat.

Of course, they could always just identify him as a Republican like they did Democrat Gov. Elliot Spitzer in the New York.

Obama the Ruler!

A couple of days ago I asked if anyone can tell me what is wrong with this statement from the co-chair of Barack Obama’s Transition Team.

“...giving—given, really, the daunting challenges that we face, it’s important that President-elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one. So we will be working closely with his [Bush] administration. We’re reviewing the agencies now. He [Obama] will be making key personnel decisions. He gets national security briefings every day now as well, but he will not be the president until January 20th.”

Some of you figured it out. Presidents govern. They manage. They lead. They don't RULE. China, North Korea, Venezuela, and most countries in Africa have "rulers." We don't. This is a hint at the mindset of the Obama crowd. The people of the United States have elected a "ruler," not a leader.

Big T's News and Views from around the Web.

As the majority of state governors rush to Obama for a bailout to pay for Medicaid, food stamps, unemployment benefits and other social programs, there are two governors, Rick Perry of Texas and Mark Sanford of South Carolina, against state bailouts. Read what they have to say in the Wall Street Journal. Brilliant!

Barack Obama’s birth certificate…Is it or isn’t it real…the world may never know.

This story comes from Britain. Fire extinguishers could be removed from public areas because they are a safety hazard. Only government could come up with this thought process.

If you live in New York you have to get a permit before putting lights or ornaments on your outside Christmas tree…isn’t government the greatest.

NASCAR is feeling the economical crunch and fears a bumpy road ahead if the Big 3 from Detroit goes under.

6 million of your tax dollars has been spent on a tutoring facility at the University of Illinois that can only be used by athletes…and the football team still sucks!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Here is Some of that “Change” We Can Now Look Forward Too:

Now that Barack Obama has won the White House and the democrats have control of Congress and the Senate, here are a few things we can expect… I hope you are all ready for this change you have all voted for.

Say goodbye to the secret ballot union elections in the workplace. The unions have been lobbying to get rid of secret ballots for a while now. Why? Well, they don’t like secret ballots. They want to know how workers are voting, so they can target those not voting for a union. First target on the list, Wal-mart, the largest employer in the U.S., and we all know how well the second employer in the U.S., General Motors, is doing with their union workers.

A return to the Fairness Doctrine…The left can not wait to get rid of conservative talk radio! So what about the first amendment.

A tax code of wealth distribution; taking away from the wealthy, business, entrepreneurs, and achievers and giving to the poor. In other words, socialism….

While we are on taxes…huge tax hikes on guns and ammunition. They won’t ban them; they will just tax them until they are unaffordable.

Say goodbye to your privatized 401 K plan. It is about to be replaced by something called a GRA (Guaranteed Retirement Account) ran by the government. Yeah, cause social security worked so well. More on this in the next couple of days.

More federal government in government schools…don’t get me started on this one.

Universal healthcare…it may be here a lot sooner than you think folks, like the first 100 days! Very scary stuff.

Executive order on domestic and off shore drilling rescinded, no drilling or nuclear power plants. High Gas prices are coming back…

The appointment of liberal Supreme Court justices who favor the idea of “fairness” over the constitution.

One thing about it, the Democrats are in charge. The problems now belong to them. They cannot blame their failures on Republicans anymore, all though they will try.

Would I Pay Extra to Fly Baby Free? You betchya I would!

I would be willing to pay a hundred dollars extra to sit in an area of an airplane guaranteed to be minus the crying, screaming, kicking the seat snot nosed brats for a long flight…hell, now that I think about it, I would pay that much for a 45 minute jump.

There was speculation that the airline WestJet, based out of Canada was considering a 10-dollar fee for people who wanted to sit in a section without infants. Why limit it to infants? Some of the 4 and 5 year-old, even 8-year-old kids are just as bad!

The airline says the rumor is false and claims they would never even consider a notion so ridiculous to offer to their customers.

I say they should run with it. It could put their business over the top. I fly often and am willing to bet, others who are frequent fliers would also love to have that option.

While we’re on the subject, I would be willing to pay extra in restaurants as well to get away from the screaming rug rats. They could use all those old smoking sections and put all the little diaper pants in there. This is why I usually sit at the bar; you have to be an adult to get in there.

Then again some of those folks are more obnoxious than the kids.

Madame Secretary of State

No I am not talking about Condi Rice, but rather her highly probable replacement, Hillary Clinton. Hey, I am not going to rant and rave about this one. Obama could have went with John Kerry, which would have been a lot worse than Madame Secretary of State Clinton.

A Big T administration would have appointed John Bolton, but then I probably couldn’t even get elected as dogcatcher, let alone president. So whom I would have appointed doesn’t amount to a pile of pinto beans.

By the way, you do know who John Bolton is don’t you?

Big T’s News and Views From Around the Web

So where do you go after being a top executive that helped bring the 5th largest securities and holdings bank in America to financial ruin? The Federal Reserve Bank of course! Aren’t you glad they got 700 billion of your tax money to play with?

Here is a site where the people can voice their priorities for the new administration. Hey look the FairTax is number 2 on the list!

Illinois State Police will now have to call for permission before they can drive 20 over the speed limit.

Obama is sending his kids to private schools….gee there is a surprise! Public schools are for your kids, not his.

Time Magazine admits extreme pro-Obama media bias during campaign, and says it was “the most disgusting failure in our business since the Iraq war.” Gee…you think?

Here is a growing alliance that means trouble for president-elect Barack Obama. Cuban president Raul Castro will visit Moscow next year.

The GOP is going to file federal lawsuit to repeal McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform and regulations. Yeah, It should have been vetoed from the get go.

Even the US postal service is feeling the economical crunch.

Gas prices are falling and people are buying SUV’s again…amazing how that works!

A government schoolteacher says she was fired for wearing a bikini during a second job, or was it because she missed to many days of work?

Here is an example of conservatism in exile. I thought liberal democrats were supposed to be the party of tolerance and inclusion? Guess not…but I already knew that.


These kids are more than likely getting their first lesson in government. They may lose their tree house that their dad built because it doesn’t follow the building code! Isn’t government regulations awesome…

Big T's Pic of the Day

If you can't laugh at that, this may not be the blog for you.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, I posted some things on the blog yesterday, or at least I thought I did. For some reason they never made it here. I will work on posting some of those throughout the day today. Perhaps, you can read it after your Turkey with your pumpkin pie and coffee or squeeze it in between football games.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Real Story of Thanksgiving Not Taught in Schools: America’s First Socialist Failure.

Frequent readers of my blog already know Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Probably because I have a whole lot to be thankful for in my life, and well I love food… I have also enjoyed the story surrounding Thanksgiving.

Ever since I was a child, and I suspect the majority of Americans too, were taught the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock settling in this barren place with no ability or knowledge on how to survive or feed themselves. It was so bad, that if it had not been for the Indians teaching them how to grow corn, hunt and slaughter animals, they would have surely starved to death and died! In order to show their thanks and appreciation the Pilgrims held a feast with the Indians This commencing Thanksgiving as taught in schools, it’s not at all what happened.

The truth is Thanksgiving was a celebration of how capitalism, private property and individual initiative saved the colonist from starvation.

Yes it is true the Mayflower brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1621. It was a barren land and it was very hard times, but it was not hard times because of a lack of survival skills.

William Bradford, the governor of the Pilgrim colony, writes about this in his journal. The colony was first organized on a communal basis, as their financers required. The land was owned in common and farmed communally. Whatever they produced went into the common store so all could share the fruits of everybody’s labor.

This is one of the first known experiments with socialism and it was based on all the great compassion and fairness you can think of, but the results were disastrous!

Some Pilgrims realized they didn’t have to do anything in order to get what they needed from the common store, because other people would pull their weight.

The food supply quickly became short and the winters long. At one point corn was rationed out at three kernels per day per person. By 1623 the colonist had suffered severe losses and starvation was almost imminent.

Bradford now realized the communal system was not working because it encouraged and rewarded laziness and inefficiency while destroying individual initiative. So he abolished the plan, distributed private plots of land among the surviving Pilgrims, encouraging them to farm as individuals and what you produce is yours. If there is a surplus you can sell it for a profit. This is when the Pilgrims began to flourish, and they shared their bounty with the Indians.

In the true story of Thanksgiving as wrote by Bradford, is thanks to God…It was thanks to God for helping them learn the way to survive and prosper when they arrived in this forsaken, unknown place.

So how was this story left out of the history books? Well, unfortunately Bradford’s journal is about the only recorded history we have from this time period. Many parts of his journal recording these events were lost. When Thanksgiving was later made a national holiday, the lesson the Pilgrims so painfully learned was not made part of the holiday.

Several years later, Bradford’s diaries were found. They’re now available in paperback documenting how capitalism saved the Pilgrims.

This Thanksgiving I now have one more thing to be thankful for…capitalism. The system that has lifted more people out of poverty than any other in history, perhaps one day America will return to it.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

Here is a great piece on the real story of thanksgiving from the LA Times…

…and here is one of the many revised versions being taught in schools today. A story of two cultures clashing, and Thanksgiving was a period of peace in 1621. History rewritten by the left is what this is!

This editorial says the first Thanksgiving may not have been at Plymouth and occurred 56 years earlier in St. Augustine, Fla. The main course was bean soup! Thank God we didn’t go with that tradition…

Another interesting editorial on Thanksgiving, this one makes the case the holiday is tied to military roots.

Jib Jab has done it again, this time with a cartoon and tune about Thanksgiving. Funny stuff.

Big T Pic of the Day

Socialism...It's Change from Our Tax Dollars.

Enjoy Socialism America

You Voted For It.

Random After Election Thought

Well, it is all over…It wasn’t that surprising was it? Barack Obama defeated John McCain. Here is a list of a few folks Obama and supporters can thank for their victory.

Thanks to the Republican Party. This Bud’s for you! After the Republicans came up with “The Contract with America that led to the voter revolution of 1994 regaining power and control for the Republican Party, they then abandoned their conservative principles. In the twelve years republicans controlled congress, they promised less government. Instead they more than doubled the size of the government.

We were promised control over runaway spending, but spending also doubled. We were promised fiscal responsibility; instead we got a bridge to nowhere in Alaska. We were promised the elimination of the Department of Education, because under this federal agency educational achievement had been on a steady decline. Since then the Republicans doubled funding for the Department of Education. The GOP became the party of borrow and spend liberals.

Once President Bush was elected, the party became drunk on power and forgot what they stood for. They gave the electorate no solid reason to continue voting for them. Even the fear of a filibuster-proof Marxist senate was not enough to motivate the base.

Thanks to President George Bush. Thanks for the amazing lack of principled conservative leadership over the last eight years on domestic, spending and big government issues. When a president signs a bill he believes to be unconstitutional (McCain-Feingold) because he thinks the Supreme Court will vote it down, that is not conservative leadership.

When you become the leader of the party that promised to give education back to the state and local levels and eliminate the Department of Education, but then federalize education through no child left behind leaving local school boards and officials with little to do but implement decisions made at the federal level, that is not conservative leadership.

The failure to veto even one pork-laden spending bill, that is not conservative leadership.

I could go on, the size of government and government spending grew faster under the Bush administration than any other one in history, and that is after you subtract the cost of the war! This failed conservative leadership resulted in an uninspired electorate….and an elected Barack Obama.

Thanks to Government education for the voting dumb masses. Never in my lifetime can I remember an election that illustrated the supreme ignorance of the American voter. And no, ignorant is not an insult; it simply means unknowing, look it up. For an example, it would be perfectly safe to say I am ignorant in quantum mechanics, but back to the voters.

The majority of Americans casting ballots probably couldn’t name their US Senators or Congressman if their life depended on it. They probably couldn’t tell you how many Senators each state has, or how many Congressman their state has.

They have no intellectual capacity of what is in the constitution or the Bill of Rights, what freedom really is, or what the actual function of government is. They have no understanding of our current tax system, or the difference between capital gains taxes and income taxes. How about the difference between profit and profit margins, or the principles of supply and demand?

I have taken harsh criticism for comments made about voter ignorance in the past, but note that I do not blame the voters for their ignorance. No, I blame the government ran education system.

It is an absolute tragedy people are not taught these things in school…Instead we must teach about social injustices, tolerance and acceptance. The government ran education system has turned into an indoctrination center rather than an education center.

Things are only going to get worse, before they get better. Now that the Democrats are in control of everything, prepare for an all-out war on the idea of school choice and vouchers…Oh and let’s not forget the home schooling option…that is definitely not going to be allowed. No…your child must be educated by the government, for the government and the common good.

As long as it is left to government, the education problem will never be solved, regardless of which party is in power.

Where Does the Republican Party Go From Here?

One thing is clear after this election, and it is something I have been saying for years, but the Republican Party has failed on so many levels. Perhaps now they will realize it.

This was the party that was supposed to reflect conservative values and principles of limited government and less spending, but instead they provided the exact opposite, as they got drunker than college kids at a keg party on political power. Ronald Reagan would be highly embarrassed.

In this election, Republicans failed to communicate a message the American people could understand. It took a simple man from Ohio, Joe the Plumber, in the last days of the election to find the message the party could not find on their own. This is simply amazing to me. The McCain campaign and the republicans should have already been pounding away for months at Obama’s socialist plans. The bottom line is the party failed to rally the base that reflected its core values, but then maybe they have had such a problem with this because those core values no longer exist for the Republicans in power. One doesn’t have to look any farther than the last eight years to realize that.

Conservatives have lost control of their party, or rather where pushed out of the party by moderate elite Rockefeller Republicans who believed the party needed to move to the middle to win elections. These elitist in the party lost touch with the base of the party and reality. They hired political consultants who only cared about winning elections and driving the party forward to retain power, not the platform or ideals of the party. They listened to Washington insiders who told them they didn’t need the base to win. All they need to do is appeal to moderates, appeal to these groups. It has been a recipe for disaster!

Some of these same people tell us the political spectrum in America has significantly moved to the left since 2004 and, John McCain lost because he moved to far to the right in order to appeal to the base, but that is not what the exit polls say.

According to exit polls 21 percent of voters claimed to be liberal in 2004 compared to 22 percent in 2008. On the other side of the spectrum 34 percent of voters claimed to be conservative in both 2004 and 2008. If there were a huge leftward shift, shouldn’t there be a high increase in the numbers of people who view themselves as liberals and a decrease in the number of conservatives?

Also, McCain only received 78 percent of the conservative vote and 89 percent of the Republican vote. If McCain moved to the right to appeal to the base, shouldn’t he have done better with them? After all, Barack Obama got 88 percent of the liberal vote.

McCain never shifted to the right, but even if he had it probably would not have mattered to the base. They already knew he was not a conservative, but rather the candidate to reach across the aisle and compromise conservative values, a moderate...or as he tried to sell it, a maverick.

The truth is there was never any real energy from the base until Sarah Palin was introduced to the ticket, but she wasn’t the front of the ticket. Republicans win when they are conservative not moderate.

If the Republican Party doesn’t learn from this, they deserve to remain out of power. They have no one to blame but themselves for the Democratic majority in Congress and the rise of Barack Obama.

It is now up to real conservatives to step forward, take charge and move the Republican Party back to the basic principles of individualism, freedom, economic liberty, self-sufficiency and pride of country, but more importantly, they must believe it, market it and live up to it. It is time the party found the next Reagan.

What is Wrong With This Statement?

Let’s see if anyone can tell me what is wrong with this statement from the co-chair of Barack Obama’s Transition Team.

“...giving—given, really, the daunting challenges that we face, it’s important that President-elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one. So we will be working closely with his [Bush] administration. We’re reviewing the agencies now. He [Obama] will be making key personnel decisions. He gets national security briefings every day now as well, but he will not be the president until January 20th.”

I will leave this here for a couple days and see if anyone can figure out what is wrong with this statement. Here is a clue. It deals with the mindset of the incoming administration.

Indoctrinating the Students in North Carolina.

How many times have I said government ran education is nothing short of indoctrination? Well, here we have a video of a government teacher from an elementary school in Fayetteville, NC leading a group discussion and asking students whom they are supporting for president? Ms. Harris replies to students supporting John McCain with “Oh Lord, John McCain” or Oh Jesus, John McCain” telling a student the Iraq war is senseless and her dad might have to stay in the military for another 100 years if John McCain wins. (Fayetteville houses Ft Bragg, home of the 82nd Airborne Division and is the most populated installation in the military.)

The teacher in the video is a woman by the name of Diantha Harris. She has been employed by your tax dollars for twenty-five years. I wonder how long she has been doing this in her classroom before she was caught on tape by a Swedish filmmaker making a documentary on U.S. politics.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

After Obama was elected the stock market took the biggest post election plunge in history! Wow…now that is some change for you.

People who earn their own wealth are entitled to keep it? That's not how it should be, according to this Virginia Congressman. Read this my friends ... and tell me what it does to your drive to become successful.

This guy in Philly says he only voted a “couple times…” really…only a couple? What the hell, it is just voter fraud, no big deal.

How is this for bias? “Experience the power of change” from MSNBC.

Time Magazine writes on Obama: “Some princes are born in palaces. Some are born in mangers. But a few are born in the imagination, out of scraps of history and hope…” 4 years of this...Seriously, can this Obama worship end already?

P.J. O’Rourke says we conservatives “blew it.” ...well I don’t know about conservatives, but definitely the Republican Party.

Neal Boortz has an interesting take on bailing out the automakers. Great read.

Sometimes pictures are just better than words…check out this picture from an Obama-Biden campaign office in Vegas.

Big T's Pic of the Day

I have thought about it and just can't come up with a

caption for this one...anyone want to take a shot?

And the Winner is…Joe the Plumber!

Let me start off by saying hats off to moderator Bob Schieffer. He did a hell of a job Wednesday night. He actually let the candidates talk and when they asked for extra time he gave it to them…I was wrong about it being a joint press conference. It was a debate and by far the best one out of the three. Watch it here if you missed it…or read the transcript here.

I am not sure which debate the media was watching, but I thought John McCain kicked Barack Obama’s tail. Then again, if you were already drinking the Obama kool-aid; I am sure you think Obama won the debate. Let me put it this way, Obama probably didn’t lose any supporters. Me…I just filled out my absentee ballot and I didn’t cast a vote for either of these idiots. I have no dog in this race, and I reserve the right to complain about either candidate that wins the White House. Libertarian Bob Barr got my vote. Sorry John, but you just didn’t motivate me to vote for you. Besides, it is not like the Socialist Republic of Illinois was ever going to go for McCain.

It was by far McCain’s best performance, but was it enough? Did he save his campaign??? Or was it too little to late? Personally I think it may have been too little too late. It really depends on how many watched it. Although, I will admit, I think his chances of winning are a little better now.

My favorite moment came when John McCain looked at Obama and said, “I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago…best line of the night…where has that been the last couple of months.

If I was McCain I would have also mentioned that he (McCain) ran against Bush eight years ago in an ugly campaign for the Republican nomination.

McCain finally brought up Bill Ayers and ACORN. Two issues that should have been brought up months ago! Yes, they are important and relevant. They are not negative attacks. Sorry, I don’t call the truth to be negative attacks.

The real winner of the debate was “Joe the plumber.” Joe Wurzelbacher is the plumber from Ohio and a possible future small business owner that Obama told he isn’t raising taxes to punish success, but to spread the wealth.


"Joe the plumber" could not have gotten that much advertisement on Super Bowl Sunday! The candidates referred to him 25 times last night making him the most famous plumber in America!

McCain tells Letterman: “We can get Bin Ladin”

John McCain returns to the Late Show with David Letterman last night for the first time since he short noticed cancelled on the comic to return to DC in the wake of the economic crisis…Is it just me or did Letterman still seem a little bitter about the cancellation?

Anyways, the interview turned from comedy to serious at about the 6:45 mark on the video. McCain told Letterman he knows how to get Osama Bin Ladin.

He said we need more human intelligence and not rely on intelligence solely from satellites. It is true, we have the best technology and satellite capabilities to gather intelligence, but we lack the human intelligence of being able to infiltrate these groups and villages and learn the cultures and gather information.

In other words we need more spies…it is just one more thing that John McCain is absolutely right on folks.

Big T's News and Views From Around the Web

US Troops have killed the number two-man for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Iraq??? I didn’t think al-Qaeda was in Iraq???

Sex offenders in Maryland will be required to post a note on their door with a picture of a pumpkin that reads “No candy at this residence.” If they are such a danger why are they out of prison in the first place?

It is safe to say this burglar will never rob a house again. He was shot DRT by the owner of the house he was trying to steal a plasma TV from. I love these stories.

Government officials in Pennsylvania have decided to require utility companies to stop power usage from rising and cut power usage starting in 2011. Now how do you suppose they will do that? Is higher prices an option or is that price gouging? Isn’t government great!

Those idiots on “The View” called “Joe the Plumber’s” goal of owning his own business a “fantasy.” Well, it isn’t a fantasy yet, but will be after Obama-Biden brings socialism.

Joe Biden has a three-letter word for you… J-O-B-S…good thing he isn’t a Republican…CNN would be playing it every hour. Anyone remember P-O-T-A-T-O-E from Dan Quayle? Potato is spelled wrong for all you government educated kids.

Big T's Pic of the Day

From the makers of Obama Waffles

it's all new Mooseburger Helper!

You can own a box for $9.99

Sure to be a collectors item.

The Last Chance Saloon for John McCain Tonight

Tonight is the night, the last chance for John McCain to get it right. The last debate and showdown between the Maverick and that guy for Ch-ch-change! OK…so it is really not a debate; it is more like a boring joint press conference.

Here is a thought. How about we ditch the moderator, give these two guys a microphone and tell them “You have 90 minutes to argue this thing out. Go!

Now that would be a debate!

Back to reality…McCain has to put the boxing gloves on tonight and fight. If he doesn’t it is over for him. I thought it was over for him after the last debate, but ACORN and a man named Bill Ayers has surfaced. (It’s about damn time!!!)

McCain needs to focus on those issues. He should also point out that Obama can’t give tax cuts to 95 percent of Americans when 45 percent of Americans don’t pay income taxes. What Obama is really proposing is a giant welfare program that will cost those paying taxes almost 100 million a year. Those who will pay for this are those who write a lot of people’s paychecks. Do you think they will take the hit and continue writing paychecks or do you think some of those paychecks may disappear?

Of course I doubt McCain will come out swinging like the old fighter pilot should. Afterall it was just a few days ago he praised Obama by saying "I have to tell you he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States," on the campaign trail. It was responded with booos from the crowd.

Perhaps, McCain has learned from that experience. We should know about 15 to 20 minutes into the debate tonight. If he doesn’t take a swing and put Obama on the defensive I am changing the channel.

What do Obama and Osama have in common?

The joke that has Obama worshipers in an uproar: What do Barack Obama and Osama Bin Ladin have in common? They both have friends who bombed the Pentagon! That is a joke? I find it to be true. I would add they both want Bush out of the White House and our troops out of Iraq.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web...

Obama worship continues. Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan has proclaimed Barack Obama as the messiah and a student writes: “Obama is my Jesus” in a column for her college paper. They’re a little late to the party though; I declared Obama as the messiah in August.

Our good old pal John Murtha says many of his constituents in western Pennsylvania will not vote for Barack Obama because they are racist! Riiight… Because it couldn’t have anything to do with the fact Obama is a communist sympathizing socialist.

Another article about Barack Obama and his race costing him the election. Bloomberg reports: Obama Backers Worry His Race Will Hurt Him in “Middletown, USA” Damn those racist folks clinging to their guns and religion!

Barack Obama ads appear in a popular EA sports online racing game.

Big T's Pic of the Day

That is looking better than a lot of peoples portfolios right now... I have lost approximately 35% of my net worth since Sept 18! No it is not 6 figure losses, but I am definately seeing 5 figure losses right now.

Oh well, at least I am not going to have to pay any capital gains taxes this coming tax season.

See there is always a bright side!

It’s All Over “My Friends”

I hope you are all ready for Barack Obama! Are you people prepared to have a socialist president? An even bigger government that will have more control in how you live your life, your healthcare, your retirement, your savings and investments, taxes and your children’s education.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans see nothing wrong with this and are perfectly fine with it. They believe this country is great because of government, and government is the answer to all their problems. They are sending Barack Obama to the White House to solve all our problems. I am convinced it is all over. John McCain has lost. It is all over ‘my friends.”

John McCain did not do what he had to do in the debate Tuesday night. The fact of the matter is both candidates where off on Tuesday making it one of the most boring debates I have ever seen.

I think most people have made up their minds by now and there aren’t going to be to many viewers watching the upcoming last debate. It will mainly be political junkies like myself that tune in. This was it. This was McCain’s last chance to seize the moment, and he just didn’t do it.

It was not the debate alone that cost him the election. I truly feel the pivotal point where McCain blew the election was the way he handled the whole economic bailout crisis and then voting for the bailout. Where was the maverick, and how about some leadership to stand up against the Washington insiders and say this bill in no good? Instead McCain just goes with the flow.

And let’s face it, his campaign has been swirling down the toilet ever since.

McCain has lost this election because he was unable to convince enough people he wants less government in their lives (the conservative base) and he couldn’t convince enough people he wants more government in their life (socialist republicrats, or RINOs).

Then again this may be good news for all you McCainiacs. I was also convinced Hilary Clinton was going to win the Democratic primary.

Oh and John, loose the “My friends” phrase. I swear if I hear you say it one more time I am going to loose my lunch!

Fact: Obama cannot give a tax cut to 95% of working families in America.

For reasons unknown to me, the McCain campaign just doesn’t seem willing to throw any real punches at Obama. One of many areas they should be attacking Obama on is his ridiculous claim to cut taxes for 95% of Americans.

I have been over this before, but lets go over it again. The most important thing to remember when Obama starts talking about tax cuts is 47% of Americans have no tax burden. In order to give them a so-called “tax cut” the government would have to literally write them a check.

That is not a tax cut; it is income re-distribution. In order to cut taxes you have to cut them on people who actually pay them, but that would be the top 53%. This would include tax cuts for the evil rich, which doesn’t work in Obama’s rhetoric.

Then again, it wouldn’t matter if McCain pointed this out. Most Americans can’t comprehend such matters.

Enjoy your checks folks. It may be the last one you get for a while after Obama taxes your employer and your job is cut to make up the difference!

Where Does All The Money Congress is Spending Come From?

Nancy Pelosi says if the economy continues to plummet she may call Congress back for a special session after the election to pass a 150 billion dollar economical stimulus plan… Yeah, cause the first one worked so well.

Of course this plan will be more of a wealth redistribution plan than an economic stimulus since most Americans who pay most of the taxes won’t be allowed to participate in the plan. Taking from those who have earned it and giving it to those who have not. After all as Barack Obama and Joe Biden has said taxes is not about revenues to the government; it is about fairness. Oh ... what fun we're going to have over the next four years.

Has anyone thought about asking where all this money is coming from? It’s not like Congress has 700 billion for a bailout, or a 150 billion-stimulus package sitting in a checking account somewhere. So where does it come from?

Yes, it comes from the taxpayer at the end, but they need that money now. So it is borrowed folks. It is borrowed from places like China, Germany and other foreign countries. This increases the national debt and makes the dollar even weaker.

This is why it cost 10.00 for a cup of coffee in France or 5.00 for a 20oz. Coke in Germany. Hold on to your wallets cause it is only going to get worse.

Big T's News and Views from Around the Web

Wow, actual intelligent conversation on Obama’s tax plan on CNBC! I can’t believe it…

What do you think of this? Is James Carville actually suggesting we will have race riots if Barack Obama does not win in November? You can take a look for yourself and decide.

Like me John Stossel is not happy with the bailout. He says anytime a large majority of politicians speak in favor of intervention it makes him cringe. Stossel says we should try something called the free enterprise…Amen! Great Reading.

Why is he so ashamed of his past? Obama is now denying his ties to ACORN. Of course the media gives him a pass on the issue. Stanley Kurtz did some homework and found this.

Barack Obama lied about his relationship with Bill Ayers, and this report comes from CNN’s Anderson Cooper, not Fox News.

Bloopers from the campaign trail…introducing the “next vice president of the United States John McCain!” Oooops…he meant Joe Biden.

Are you looking for a reason to get high or drunk? You could always blame it on the economical crisis.

Now to the issues that really matter, according to an ancestry website Sarah Palin is related to Princess Diana and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Animal rights activist like PETA are definitely not going to be happy with Brett Farve’s locker room pranks. Apparently he shot an animal, stuffed its guts in a bag and put it in a teammates locker.

Looking for some assets to invest in? So is Hugh Hefner. Playboy magazine is in search of the “Women of Wall Street.” Now that is economic relief!

Big T's Pic of the Day

Welcome to the United Socialist States of America

If you have a copy of the United States Constitution lying around, you can go ahead and run it through the paper shredder or burn it. At this point the paper it was wrote on is worth more than the words. The United States Congress has been ignoring it for several of years with no accountability from the American voter. In doing so we have taken this nation into areas we never had any business being in.

In fact we created the greatest financial risk and collapse this country has ever seen by ignoring the principles and wisdoms placed by the founders of the constitution. Politicians in Congress think they are above the constitution. They thought they knew better. They thought they could do better and create a system outside the boundaries of the law. They were wrong! We were wrong for letting them continue to do it without accountability.

For years Congress continued to spend more, create a bigger and more intrusive government, limiting freedom while increasing their power for the social experiment to supply all with an increased standard of living.

The government required banks to offer no money down mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for before unqualified low-income family borrowers with good or bad credit became the norm. After all, everyone in America should own a house regardless if they can actually afford it. This significantly increased the demand for houses inflating the housing market and creating the housing bubble.

As the bubble grew, so did the amount of dangerous subprime loans given. While the economy was on the rise everyone was happy. Then gas prices started to rise. Interest rates rose and paychecks got squeezed. All of a sudden our unqualified borrowers couldn’t make their mortgage payments. Foreclosures skyrocketed, banks quit lending them money and no one was buying houses only selling. The bubble popped as house prices plummeted. All those government-backed mortgages became worthless and banks begin to collapse.

Did Congress and politicians learn their lesson? No, instead they blame it on the free market. It is capitalisms fault, not ours. The premise from most of our politicians on both sides of the aisle of this financial crisis is that some how the free market has failed and the government must come to the rescue. The truth is the crisis we are now in is a result of government intervention in the market.

This is not a failure of the free market. In a free market, bankers would not give loans to people who are not qualified.

We started to here politicians say things like the government must act to protect the financial well being of all from the reckless financial actions of a few.

Someone show me where in the constitution does it say it is the government’s responsibility to protect the financial well being of anybody? I must have missed it in my copy!

I am so disgusted by this bailout! Democrats and Republicans both united to vote for this damn bill. Both presidential candidates voted for it. We can’t get them to unite to win wars, or close our borders, but we can get them to unite to give them the absolute most power they will ever gain over the free market ever!!! Does anyone realize how much control this bill gives the federal government? How much real estate the government will now own?

There is no way you can justify in the constitution the government should be a source of mortgages for homeowners, but Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were able to control more than 50% of the mortgages in this country before this bailout.

We are in tough times, but they are going to get tougher until the American people hold Congress and politicians accountable to live within the rules of the US Constitution that have served this country so well. We are ignoring the constitution at our own peril and are reaping exactly what we have sown.

Capitalism is pretty much dead. Welcome to the United Socialist States of America! The US Constitution was bought and destroyed for 700 billion dollars!!!

Perhaps it is time to reject the two-party system in this country. It’s time for a revolution! A voter revolution…The Libertarian Party anyone?

Media ignores major Biden foreign policy gaffe.

Yes, it is true Sarah Palin got a few of her facts wrong, misquoted a couple numbers and even gaffed on the name of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force Gen. David D. McKiernan during the Vice Presidential debate Thursday night, but so did Joe Biden.

However, getting a few numbers and facts wrong doesn’t even begin to compare to the biggest gaffe I have ever seen in my life, and it has gone completely ignored by the media.

I honestly could not believe my ears and almost choked on my popcorn when I heard Biden say this:

Gwen, no one in the United States Senate has been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden. I would have never, ever joined this ticket were I not absolutely sure Barack Obama shared my passion.

But you asked a question about whether or not this administration's policy had made sense or something to that effect. It has been an abject failure, this administration's policy.

In fairness to Secretary Rice, she's trying to turn it around now in the seventh or eighth year.

Here's what the president said when we said no. He insisted on elections on the West Bank, when I said, and others said, and Barack Obama said, "Big mistake. Hamas will win. You'll legitimize them." What happened? Hamas won.

When we kicked -- along with France, we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, "Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don't know -- if you don't, Hezbollah will control it."

Now what's happened? Hezbollah is a legitimate part of the government in the country immediately to the north of Israel.

Is he serious? We…and who kicked Hezbollah out of where??? Obama urged to send NATO to do what??? This is really a serious and important foreign policy gaffe. It is far more serious than anything Sarah Palin has said anytime anywhere!

Perhaps in the alternate universe Joe Biden lives in the U.S. and France may have kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, but back here on Earth it has never happened. Hezbollah has never been kicked out of Lebanon by anyone. Not the US, France, Israel or even the Lebanese.

The fact is Hezbollah has been in Lebanon since the early 1980’s. They have since grown to make up over a third of the population of Lebanon and have an entirely separate governance infrastructure in the southern part of the country. Hezbollah currently controls 62 of 128 seats in the Lebanese Parliament.

Although it would hardly make any more sense, but perhaps Biden was referring to when the Lebanese people kicked the Syrians out of Lebanon with behind the scenes work of France and the U.S. It was the U.S. who convinced King Abdullah to lobby the Syrians to get gone while the going was good while the French worked directly on Baby Assad. The Syrians left after a couple million Lebanese took to the street in a show of love for freedom and defiance to tyranny.

Even then Biden, Barack Obama or anyone on this planet did not push for NATO to “fill the vacuum” Anyone who would have put such a proposal on the table would have been laughed out of the room, but Biden seems to believe not having NATO to “fill the vaccum” led to Hezbollah’s rise to political power in Lebanon.

One has to ask where the hell has Biden been the last 20 years. It was the Taif Accords that were signed in 1989 that gave Hezbollah power in the southern part of the country. Hezbollah’s real rise to political power is directly related to Iran’s 250 million dollar a year funding of their proxy.

Either Biden is completely clueless on foreign policy, or he simply got caught up in a lie that went horribly wrong.

It is almost unbelievable to me that I was unable to find even a mention of this let alone a story from the mainstream media on this incredible gaffe, outlandish misstatement of history and outright lie that he and Obama called for NATO troops in Lebanon after Hezbollah was kicked out. Even if he meant Syria kicked out it’s still a lie. Where was fact check.org? I guess there magnifying glass missed this one. Why am I not surprised.

The headline of the debate should have been; “Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Seems Clueless on Foreign Policy.” Instead Biden gets a pass and Palin is heavily criticized for mispronouncing the name of our commanding general in Afghanistan.

Absolutely shameful reporting from the press.

Obama would meet unconditionally with our enemies

Biden also fibbed when he said Barack Obama never said he would meet unconditionally with the Iranian leader. The fact is Obama did say it. It was during a Democrat Primary debate on July 23, 2007. Anderson Cooper was the moderator and it was at the University of South Carolina. If you want to fact check me here is the exact transcript. If you scroll about half way down the page you will find it.

Q: In 1982, Anwar Sadat traveled to Israel, a trip that resulted in a peace agreement that has lasted ever since. In the spirit of that type of bold leadership, would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries? Senator Obama.OBAMA: I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them -- which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration -- is ridiculous.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, Ronald Reagan and Democratic presidents like JFK constantly spoke to Soviet Union at a time when Ronald Reagan called them an evil empire. And the reason is because they understood that we may not trust them and they may pose an extraordinary danger to this country, but we had the obligation to find areas where we can potentially move forward.

And I think that it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them. We've been talking about Iraq -- one of the first things that I would do in terms of moving a diplomatic effort in the region forward is to send a signal that we need to talk to Iran and Syria because they're going to have responsibilities if Iraq collapses.

They have been acting irresponsibly up until this point. But if we tell them that we are not going to be a permanent occupying force, we are in a position to say that they are going to have to carry some weight, in terms of stabilizing the region.

Biden was well aware of this, because he opposed and criticized Obama for it at the National Press Club in August of 2007 while campaigning against him for the Democratic nomination.

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics

This has been around for a while, but still holds true. Everyone says our tax system and economics is complex. Well this professor of economics does a great job breaking it down into laymen terms. Everyone should be able to understand this. Hopefully you will understand the tenth man has left the table in many places. You can only rob someone for so much and so long before they find somewhere else to do business.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all tencomes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would gosomething like this:

The first four men (The poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with thearrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. “Since you are allsuch good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your dailybeer by $20.” Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so thefirst four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.
But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could theydivide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that fromeverybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end upbeing paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would befair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceededto work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued todrink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to comparetheir savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $20,”declared the sixth man. He pointed tothe tenth man,” but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!”

“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 backwhen I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. Thesystem exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat downand had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, theydiscovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all ofthem for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, this is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the mostbenefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

By David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of Economics University of Georgia

For those of you who understand this concept no explanation needed. For those of you who don’t understand this there is no explanation possible.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

I always like to turn to an expert during a crisis. Here is what economist Thomas Sowell has to say about the bailout. He says politicians that caused the problem thinks they can fix it…hmmm where have I heard that before? Excellent reading as always.

Here is another economist from Harvard. He says bankruptcy, not bailout, is the right answer.

Karl Marx would be extremely happy with this bailout deal Congress has passed.

Hillary Clinton says without a bailout commerce could stop. That is a giant Bologna Sandwich!

Here we have yet another story involving Association of Community Organizations for Reform (ACORN) and voter registration fraud. I am now understanding what community organizers do!

You know I have heard about ticket scalpers at sporting events and concerts, but political rallies??? The Sarah Palin phenomenon continues to sweep the country! If John McCain wins this thing, it will be because of her.

More than 70 million tuned in to watch the Palin-Biden VP presidential debate. It is the largest viewing of any debate since the Reagan-Carter debate in 1980 that brought the record 80.6 million to the TV set. Do you suppose the majority of viewers tuned in to watch Biden? Me either.

Sarah Palin has even got praise from Hillary Clinton for her debate performance… Hmmm…first Bill praises her and then Hillary. I wonder if Obama feels that knife in his back yet.

In an episode of “The Simpsons” scheduled to air November 2 Homer votes for Obama, but the voting machine refuses to accept his vote and changes it to McCain. Homer is then sucked into the machine and killed.

Big T's Pic of the Day

This place is definitely not like Dixie!

Wow, I have been busy! I have one thing to say. Moving sucks, really, really sucks! Avoid it at all cost if you can. If you can’t avoid it, then hire someone else to move it for you. It will be worth every penny!

Anyways, I have left the land of Dixie and am now in the Baltimore-Washington DC area. Could someone tell me where I can get some sweet tea and homemade grits around here? How about some BBQ?

You folks do know BBQ is a type of meat and not a social gathering consisting of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers? What the hell is wrong with these people up here?

It really is amazing the differences between the North and the South to this day. I will take the South any day myself.

I may have been born a Yankee, but Dixie has captured my heart and mind...and my taste buds.

Man, I could use some cornbread and chicken.

Am I better off today than I was 4 or 8 years ago?

A real good friend of mine and I were having some drinks last night. He is a liberal and a huge Barack Obama supporter. He decided to engage me in some political conversation, or debate for a better choice of words.

Anyways, my friend is aware that I am not a huge fan of John McCain or the Republican Party as a whole right now. I guess he figured maybe he could persuade me to jump across the aisle. I may have problems with Republicans, but that doesn’t make me a socialist!

As our debate progressed, I noticed a common themed question among Obama supporters I talk to. The question: Are you better off today than you were 4 or 8 years ago? Now there is no doubt the premise of this question is to imply if you are not better off it is somehow President Bush’s fault. After all, everything is his fault for those suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome.

My answer, absolutely I am better off than I was 4 years ago or 8 years ago. But what if I wasn’t better off than I was four or eight years ago? Would I truly have anyone to blame than myself? I don’t give credit to President Bush for being better off. I did it. I put myself in positions to make myself better off. The choices I make today will make or break my tomorrow. If I make choices that break it, then I have to fix it. I don’t turn to politicians or government to fix it for me.

Oh and guess what…. If Obama or McCain wins I will be better off in four years than I am today too. Just like I was better off four years after Bill Clinton.

The bailout is full of pork!

The Senate and the House have passed the bailout bill, and President Bush has signed it into law. It wasn’t just a bailout though. This 400 plus page bill is loaded with pork, some additional spending here, a tax break there, and government regulations. A lot of these add-ons have nothing to do with the bailout at all. The Tax Foundation has compiled a list from the pork-infested bill.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Health insurance companies are now going to be required to include mental health care on parity with care of physical illness. This will increase premiums on every health care plan in America. You get no choice if you want such coverage; they are required to include it in any plan.

Look for more people to drop coverage, and more politicians scream for the dire need of universal healthcare. Of course that is the goal, to make private health insurance unaffordable. Why would they do that? Control. The government gains even more control of you by controlling your access to health care.

Also in this bailout is a tax break for some company that makes a particular type of wooden arrow used by some children somewhere.

A seven-year cost recovery period for motor sports racing track facility… No…I am not kidding. You can’t make this stuff up.

If this is the crisis our politicians keep making it out to be, then why are politicians putting racetrack pork, tax breaks for children’s arrows and mental parity spending into this bill?

Here is a full copy of the bill for your reading enjoyment.

Vice Presidential Debate

I thought both candidates did a decent job in the debate. I doubt anyone’s mind was changed either way.

One thing I did noticed is neither campaign wants to place any of the blame at the hands of the government for this financial mess we are now in.

If we do not know or are unwilling to acknowledge the roots of the problem we can’t fix it. The government should share in the blame here…big time.

Senator calls for Justice Dept. to investigate institutions in financial crisis.

Senator Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, has sent a letter to Attorney General Mike Mukasey calling for a criminal investigation into the failed economic crisis.

“…Given the gravity of the situation, the American people need to know if any of the blame lies with the wrongdoing of any individuals or institutions,” writes Conrad. “It is my understanding that the FBI has undertaken investigations into certain activities of AIG, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I call upon the Justice Department to expand its scrutiny of the financial and housing industries in order to expose possible wrongdoing at other institutions that may have contributed to the present state of our markets and economy. Any violations of law must be prosecuted and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Absolutely Senator. How about we start in the Halls of the Congress? That is where my investigation would start, and the first person I would interrogate is Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Financial Services Committee chairman.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

The media doesn’t seem to like a “sarcastic” John McCain… Well…they would really like me then. I LOVE sarcasm!

It looks like John McCain’s campaign is giving up on winning Michigan…I don’t care much for giving up!

Only the mentality of government could come up with this solution. A city council in Great Britain is asking people to leave their sheds unlocked, because it costs taxpayers more money to repair sheds damaged by burglars breaking in.

What would you think about Hollywood getting a cut of this bailout? Oh yeah…it doesn’t matter what you think anyway!

The US automakers are saying they didn’t receive a bailout. It was a loan to pay for the price of complying with government environmental regulations. That is a valid argument.

Ten things that will result from the financial crisis…they are not really changes, just going back to the way things should have and use to be done.

The national debt has now gotten so large that in the near future it may not fit on the national debt clock near Times Square in New York City.

For those of you taking bets there is a one in four chance John McCain would die in office in a second term as president…hmmm. He has to win a first term first.

Big T's Kewl Beans

Here is a prank involving a stuffed skunk on a stick and a park bench…Just watch it…this is hilarious!

I love pranks….check this one out…May not be appropriate for work or children.

And one more…this is a good one.

Big T Pic of the Day

The Winning Ticket!

RNC Coverage Day 4: McCain Speaks.

Overall it was a good speech I thought it was very Reaganisque…not so much in the delivery, but in the message. It is what you say, not how you say it.

We heard a lot about smaller government, lower taxes and individualism. Here are a few excerpts from his speech I liked.

“We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us.”

“We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor.”

“I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.”

“His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.”

“We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now.”

“My grandfather came home from that same war exhausted from the burdens he had borne, and died the next day. In Vietnam, where I formed the closest friendships of my life, some of those friends never came home with me. I hate war. It is terrible beyond imagination.”

“Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power. They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire.”

“I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.”

McCain Addresses Government Education

This was one of my favorite moments of the night. The teacher’s unions could not have been happy.

“Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained. But what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.”

“When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity.”

“Senator Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies. I want schools to answer to parents and students. And when I'm President, they will.”

Liberals Just Don’t Get It. It’s Not About His Military Service.

John McCain also shared his military and POW experience with the country last night. It was a compelling story that I am sure must have been extremely hard to share, but it is an important story that America needs to hear.

I was surprised to learn the North Vietnamese had broke McCain. I was unaware of that. I thought he hung strong until he came home. I was moved by this story and nearly had tears in my eyes.

It was just a few days ago Jimmy Carter told us McCain was milking his POW experience for all it was worth. This morning I heard a commentator ask the question: Does John McCain’s POW experience matter? Does it somehow make him more qualified to be president? Why is this something I should consider when I cast my vote? Because I don’t think it should matter. I think his military and POW experience is irrelevant to be president.

Maybe it is irrelevant, but liberals miss the point. McCain’s story was not about his military or POW experience. It was about his character. It was about selfless service. It was about finding a greater purpose in life than yourself. It was about always, no matter the situation you find yourself, putting your country first. Even if country first means great suffering unto yourself.

Here is how McCain told the story. I want you to notice how McCain went from a person who felt there was no greater cause than himself to fighting for a cause greater than himself…America.

On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd mission over North Vietnam. I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me.

Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd waiting to greet me. I was dumped in a dark cell, and left to die. I didn't feel so tough anymore. When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a hospital. They couldn't set my bones properly, so they just slapped a cast on me. When I didn't get better, and was down to about a hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even feed myself. They did it for me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence. Those men saved my life.

I was in solitary confinement when my captors offered to release me. I knew why. If I went home, they would use it as propaganda to demoralize my fellow prisoners. Our Code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and there were men who had been shot down before me. I thought about it, though. I wasn't in great shape, and I missed everything about America. But I turned it down.

A lot of prisoners had it worse than I did. I'd been mistreated before, but not as badly as others. I always liked to strut a little after I'd been roughed up to show the other guys I was tough enough to take it. But after I turned down their offer, they worked me over harder than they ever had before. For a long time. And they broke me.

When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the cell next door, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me. Through taps on a wall he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and fight again for our country and for the men I had the honor to serve with. Because every day they fought for me.

I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's.

You see to John McCain “Country First” is not just some fancy campaign motto; it is a way of life. It is how McCain has lived his life.

Liberals miss this point, because they don’t comprehend it. To them it is always about them and their cause. It is liberalism first…or their own selfish gratification of acquiring power.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

Sarah Palin drew an audience of 37.2 million viewers during her convention speech. Obama drew 38.4 million viewers for his acceptance speech. The difference? Everyone was talking about Palin’s speech the next day…no one was mentioning Obama’s

David Strom explains the dangers of Barack Obama’s tax plans for the economy.

Someone thought it was worthy to point out that Sarah Palin has attended at least one Libertarian Party meeting at a Denny’s in Anchorage, Alaska.

New Poll says 51 percent of Americans believe the media is trying to hurt Sarah Palin.

A School district in Illinois is considering banning students who are failing classes from attending athletic events and dances including prom. Whatever happened to parents grounding children?

Big T Pic of the Day

A Unified and Energized Convention!!!

RNC Coverage Day 3

The Base of this Party is Energized! What a night! This was just awesome! The convention hall was already filled with energy from Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani, who gave great speeches, and then Sarah Palin came out and blew the rafters off!

It was a great night to be a Republican, better night to be a conservative. Sarah Palin has brought Reagan conservatism back to the party! She made a connection with the base of this party that has not been felt since Reagan and for the first time in my life I am fully energized, excited and 100 percent behind the Republican ticket!

Yes, it is true, I have voted Republican in every presidential election since Bob Dole, but it was always a vote against the other candidate more than it was a vote for a candidate. As most of you know I have had major problems with the Republican Party and John McCain for a while now. I didn’t even vote in the last midterm elections I was so upset. It was the first time in my life I have not voted in an election, and I was seriously considering voting for Libertarian Bob Parr out of protest to Republicans. Not anymore…Sarah Palin has changed that for me.

Sarah Palin is Bringing Reagan Conservatism Back!

44 years ago a Hollywood actor named Ronald Reagan walked up to the podium of the Republican National Convention and delivered a speech forever known as “the speech” in support of Barry Goldwater rejuvenating a dieing party and launching his political career that would lead him to the White House for 8 years.

For years the base of the Republican Party has waited in frustration for someone to bring back the platform of Reagan conservative values to the party that were abandoned in favor of the republican elitists moving the party to the middle leaving the party split, divided and dieing.

A lot of conservatives had given up on their fruitless search for a new Reagan to emerge and fight against the elitist of their own party, the media and liberals, realizing the likes of Reagan was one of a kind never to be seen again.

We were wrong! Wednesday night at the RNC Alaska Governor Sarah Palin brought Reagan conservatism back in an electrifying speech, once again solidifying and energizing a dieing party. She sent a wave of Reagan’s spirit through the convention floor, addressing her critics in the media and attacking the Washington elitists in a humorous and inspiring rhetoric not seen since Reagan.

After John McCain announced Palin as his choice for VP running mate, a humorous frenzy spread across newsrooms across America. The sophisticated establishment of the media claimed disaster for McCain. A woman with five children, a lifetime NRA member gun toting moose hunter, clinging to Jesus, married to a snowmobile championship racer/fisherman and a pregnant 17-year-old daughter resonated the phrases “white trash” or “trailer park trash” in their minds.

The media then set out to destroy her trying to define Palin to the public as a dangerous religious fanatic from the back woods with little experience incapable of being a heartbeat away from the presidency.

It is the same media and liberal elitists who laugh and attack Sarah Palin as trailer trash that categorized Ronald Reagan as an amiable dunce more than 20 years ago. They labeled him as a mere simpleton, a Hollywood actor with a performance that fooled America. They were never able to believe or accept a graduate of Eureka College and not one of their Ivy League colleagues was representing America on the world stage.

Ronald Reagan never let the contempt of the cultural, literary and journalistic elites bother him. He simply spoke over their heads directly to the American people. In Sarah Palin, we have a figure that showed us the capability of doing the same as she addressed her critics from the convention podium.

"I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.

"But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion; I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

The one thing Americans noticed the most from Palin was authenticity, something that goes right over the heads of the elitist beltway boys and media. Palin’s qualities of being a beauty queen, gun toting, moose hunting, mother of five, member of the Assembly of God Church and a serious reformer of corrupt politics baffles the ivy league sophisticated. They just can’t comprehend ordinary Americans, never have.

Palin is the ultimate All-American girl with an All-American family. She is powerful, but down to Earth, a reformer not afraid to rock the boat, and just like Reagan, she was able to communicate, connect and capture the minds and hearts of Americans and rejuvenate a dieing party Wednesday night.

Peggy Noonan Caught Bashing Palin on Hot Mic

It was just recently the Rev. Jesse Jackson was caught saying harsh words of Obama, on a hot mic now we have a conservative victim to a hot mic.

Don’t these people know every mic is supposed to be treated as hot or live?
Anyways, after an interview, Republican consultant Mike Murphy and Wall Street Journalist columnist Peggy Noonan were caught on a hot mic bashing Sarah Palin.

“It’s over,” Noonan said. The most qualified? (talking about Palin) No. I think they went for this — excuse me— political bullsh** about narratives," she said. "Every time Republicans do that... because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at and they blow it." Murphy then addded: "The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical."

Wow…that really makes me think differently about Peggy Noonan. Not because of her opinion on Palin, but because she writes the exact opposite in her columns…Hypocrite…and shameful.

Liberman Puts Country First Over Political Career

No surprise here. Joe Lieberman is under fire from his Democrat colleagues after giving a prime time speech at the Republican National Convention. The Obama campaign stated after the speech that Liberman “proved a long time ago he’s not a Democrat any longer, and last night he reminded everyone he’s not even a man of his word any longer.”

Lieberman is an independent, but still caucuses with the Democrats and is the chairman of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, but now finds those positions in jeopardy. A spokesman for Harry Reid says that “it’s likely” the Democrats will caucus after the election to decide the fate of Joe Lieberman in the Senate.

“He has every right to make a partisan speech at the Republican National Convention if that is what he wants to do…Having said that, that doesn’t give him the right to question Obama’s role and record in the Senate in the speech,” said the spokesman.

I guess just by mere disagreement with Obama makes you a liar, and how dare he question the “messiah,” this is no doubt blasphemy. Perhaps they will burn Lieberman at the stake.
Maybe Lieberman has no right to bring up his record, but how about duty to expose Obama as the leftist he is? Lieberman put his country first in front of his political future. I hope McCain rewards him with a cabinet seat in his administration if he wins.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

Ronald Reagan’s son Michael Reagan says his dad was reborn Wednesday night only this time he is a she. That would be Sarah Palin.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was hospitalized for stomach pains last night. If I were a Democrat, I would have stomach pains too after watching Sarah Palin’s speech.

Here is an article from a fellow Alaskan about how Sarah Palin handled corruption in her state.

This just in: Peggy Noonan tries to explain her remarks, and says that what's "over" is not McCain's campaign, but that what's over is the truth to the belief that "whatever the base of the Republican party thinks is what America thinks." OK…maybe, but I still have my doubts.

Islamic Jihadists have placed a 50,000-dollar bounty on John McCain’s spiritual advisor, Pastor Rod Parsley’s head.

Isn’t this nice…Joe Biden promises if they win they’ll go through the Bush administration with “a fine tooth comb” and pursue criminal charges.

The Iraqis are planning to re-open the infamous Abu-Ghrahib…as a museum

Hollywood actor John Voight says MSNBC is “just a platform for…the left of the Democrat Party.” He also claims there are more conservatives in Hollywood than one might think.

Here is a photo of a new voting block for the Democrat Party…priceless.

Big T's Pic of the Day

RNC Coverage Night 1 or was it Night 2?

Night one was washed out by hurricane Gustav, and the Republican National Convention was turned into a fundraising drive for the hurricane victims. The RNC put the country first and cut their convention short, which was definitely the right decision.

Joe Lieberman put it all on the line for McCain

Wow…Joe Lieberman really put country before party last night. His democrat colleagues are not going to be happy about that at all.

“So tonight, I ask you whether you are independent, a Reagan Democrat or a Clinton Democrat, or just a Democrat: This year, when you vote for president, vote for the person you believe is best for the country, not for the party you happen to belong to.”

Lieberman is probably finished within the Democrat Party, but I doubt he cares all that much.

Fred Thompson was On Fire Last Night!

Fred Thompson gave a great speech last night. If he had spoke with that kind of spirit and humor during the primary he might have been the nominee.

Thompson gave his overwhelming support for VP candidate Sarah Palin and had a word for her critics.”Some Washington pundits and media big shots are in a frenzy over the selection of a woman who has actually governed rather than just talked a good game on the Sunday talk shows and hit the Washington cocktail circuit. Well, give me a tough Alaskan Governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the Union — and won — over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week.”

The John McCain Story Backed by Friends.

One of the major differences between this convention and the Democrat’s convention is how the story has been told about their candidate. John McCain has friends, personal experiences from people like Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman who worked proudly with McCain in the Senate. Character witnesses if you will…We did not see that during the DNC.

No one during the DNC could tell a personal story of working with Barack Oabama or share any of his life accomplishments…Yeah, there was his wife, but it isn’t as meaningful when it comes from family. Maybe the reason we never got any character witnesses is because the people that know Obama the best are the ones Obama doesn’t want you to remember that he is associated with.

They’re Trying to Write Her Off the Ticket, It’s disrespectful to women and down right sexist!

The leftist media and liberals are running scared over Sarah Palin. They are attacking her on anything they can find! The New York Times actually ran a story questioning whether a mother of five should be working at all! Wow…is that fair? Did anyone ever question a man on whether he could be a father and hold a job?

Then we have this so-called “troopergate” thing, which is going nowhere. Palin called the investigation of her own actions and the officers who lost their jobs are even saying she had no role.

These attacks are disgraceful. They are disrespectful to women and completely sexist.

Now we have the media asking if John McCain properly vetted their VP pick. Come on folks. Is this the best they can do?

It is truly amazing; it took three days for the media to unleash a non-stop attack on this woman and her family. This same media won’t even ask Barack Obama why he was associated with an unrepentant terrorist named William Ayers, or why he sat in a pew of a church that preached hate and discontent toward America for more than 20 years.

The problem with Sarah Palin is she is not a member of the DC political establishment. She is a member of the middle-America crowd. She has a family that probably reminds you of your family or the one that lives next door.

This lady scares the media. They know she is a winner, and they’re going to do anything they can to try and write her off the ticket. They want John McCain to drop her from the ticket.

Big T's Suggested Reading and Viewing from around the Web

Columnist David Harsanyi says Libertarians should be happy with the Sarah Palin choice. I am very happy with her.

Now the media has released Sarah Palin’s social security number, minus the last four, with her address and birth date. Gee, shouldn’t be that hard to get the last four now!